3rd Gun Incident Today: Man Shot
[Still updating as of Friday afternoon]
In what is a literally a hail of gunfire today, Bernews understands there was a shooting minutes ago [Sept 23] in Pembroke. We have no official confirmation, but understand someone may have been shot in this incident. We have limited details at this time but will update as able.
The first incident today occurred around 11:30am on North Shore by First Church of God, and saw gunmen on a bike fire and strike a bystanders car. The second incident occurred minutes after that, and saw men on a motorcycle in Court Street wielding what appeared to be a gun. No one was shot in the first two incidents, however this incident has resulted in injury.
The Police are on the scene and so are we…
Update 5:53pm: Police confirm that one man has been shot, and his condition is unknown at this time. Incident occurred in the St Monica’s Mission area.
Update 6:06pm: The scene is escalating, people are shouting and very angry. Eyewitnesses say a bike rode up and shot a man in the area. Allegations have been made that we will seek confirmation on prior to posting…more to come….
6:12pm: Police confirm the victim is 29-years-old and his condition is serious. There are allegations made, by many on scene, that the Police were allegedly on patrol in the area at the time. It is further alleged that the Police, said to be two females, allegedly did not chase the gunmen.
6:28pm: Gunmen were on a bike, with witnesses saying one wearing a big puffy black jacket. Some in the area think they recognized him. Residents, and people present, are angry, extremely angry, shouting at the Police and even the media.
6:32pm: Residents are said to be angered especially due to the fact there were children playing when it occurred.
6:38pm: Bernews understand the victim has been shot before, and is known to the Police.
7:25pm: Area MP Michael Weeks is on scene, has been for a while. He and all the men that hang out, many known to be gang associates, are talking extensively about the crime situation and how to attempt to resolve it. Mr Weeks and the gentlemen are planning a sit down to talk more.
7:44pm: Official Police statement: Around 5:30pm on Thursday, Police responded to a confirmed firearm incident that took place in the St. Monica’s Road, Pembroke area. A 29 year old man was injured and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment. His injuries are believed to be serious.
Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information about this incident to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 295-0011. Alternatively, witnesses or anyone with any information is encouraged to call the independent, confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline at 800-8477.
10:32pm: We took a drive back through the 42nd area and Court Street, [which both saw firearm incidents today] and there appears to be no visible Police presence in either area this evening.
1:00am Fri Sept 24 It is further alleged by area residents that the Police, who are alleged to have been sitting in a car yards away when it happened, allegedly did not render any assistance in getting the victim to the hospital. Area residents are said to have combined forces to to get the victim to the hospital.
7:33am: ZBM reports there were “two unarmed female officers” present when it occurred. The Bermuda Sun reports that “It is believed that a police patrol car was parked close to the scene of the shooting when the gunmen opened fire.” The Royal Gazette has reported they understand “a Police car with unarmed officers was parked just yards away when the shooting occurred.”
10:16am: There is a Police press conference this afternoon about the shooting, so hopefully we will have official information later today.
10:46am: As of 10:30am, there is no visible Police presence in the 42nd area. There is one visible Police car on Court Street, with what appears to be two officers.
2:10pm: Checking the area again, we can confirm there continues to be no visible Police presence.
2:15pm: At a press conference this afternoon, Assistant Police Commissioner David Mirfield acknowledged that there was a Police presence in the area at the time of the shooting, but said they did not witness the event, and following the shooting acted in a correct manner, moving to secure the scene and preserve forensic evidence.
Read More About
Comments (152)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Articles that link to this one:
- Shootout This Morning On North Shore | Bernews.com | September 23, 2010
- Police: Officers In Area While Man Shot | Bernews.com | September 24, 2010
- Double Trouble: Shot Two Separate Times | Bernews.com | September 26, 2010
Never a dull moment…shame…what next?
Here’s some suggestions to help solve our gun violence Part1: A better education system that includes parenting classes, anger management, and money management. The parenting classes need to focus on teaching the youth how to be responsible parents, so that when they become adults and have kids of their own, they wouldn’t be clueless. The parenting classes should also focus on encouraging the young men to be involved in their children’s lives. There are too many dead-beat fathers out there.
Anger management classes are just as important. Kids have to learn how to manage their anger. We all get angry sometimes. The youth need to learn that violence is not the correct way to handle disputes.
Money management classes will serve as a way to teach our youths how to make money legally and manage their money when they become of age, so that they don’t have to be out there selling drugs and robbing people. When you make money legally, you are less likely to get involved in illegal activity.
Part 2: Parents discipline your kids; spank them if need be. Tuff love. Punish them when they do wrong and reward them when they do good. Be responsible for them at all times and be involved in every aspect of their lives. Know what your kids are doing, and who they’re hanging with. Don’t spoil them too much. It’s ok to say “NO” sometimes. The youth are only a product of how they are raised. Raised them right and they should come out right. There maybe a few exceptions, but if you (the parent), do your part, you can be held blameless.
The Church. I notice the Church comes out in full force when it comes to opposing gambling, but when it comes to gun violence, the church is silent. Stop the silence and speak up. Don’t fear and don’t worry yourselves. Remember, you have God’s backing.
The Community: Stop complaining, stop bitching – do something. Don’t always leave it up to somebody else to fix the problem. Get involved. Be a mentor and guide the youth. Be a positive example for the young ones. Like they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Do your part is all that one can ask for.
Part3: Constructive Activity: The youth get bored quickly. Their minds need to be stimulated with constructive activities. The government needs to provide more youth and community centers where the youth can make better use of their time instead of sitting on a wall smoking good gunja weed. I’m not against the weeds, but only in moderation. More afterschool programs will go a long way too.
The Justice System and More Productive Policing: The Police Service needs to be beefed up. More police put on the street. When these guys get caught, no bail. Take all their travel documents away so that they can’t escape to England or anywhere else for that matter. If for some reason they get bail, make it mandatory for them to wear an electronic ankle bracelet at all times. If they try to go to the airport, an alarm should go off. The courts have to make sure that justice is served. Stop letting these guys get off with light sentences. Judges who fail to bring justice should be fired. We need competent judges and lawyers.
Incarceration & Punishment: Harsher sentences when involving violent crimes. Bring back “Public Flogging,” I’m all for it. Bring out the whip and cut their asses for all to see. Humilate them and I bet you they’ll think twice about committing crime again. Incarceration and punishment is not enough. Rehabilitation is also important, so that when they come out, they can fit into society and become responsible and constructive citizens. If you don’t include rehab, when they get out, they’ll only continue to be a menace to society.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe that if we all come together and put some of these suggestions into place, we will get some positive resutls. This may not be the cure, but at least we can control the problem – for the most part.
Good luck Bermy, stand firm.
One Love.
Can’t even get a dang fish sammich anymore!
HAHAHA!!!
What a shame! Such a wonderful paradise go to hell in a hand basket and it seems that nothing is being done about it. For such a small island I would comb the entire place with a very fine toothed comb. houses, businesses every building! The island will suffer especially in their cash cow “tourism”. Here in the states people enjoyed the friendly, clean, safe environment they felt on the island. Now, a lot of people I talk to have changed their minds from going to Bermuda and made other arrangements.
u dont know what the hell your talking about
Point out to me where I am wrong.
Yes please point out where Joe is going wrong!
First off, Tourism is far from being our ‘cash cow’! Measures are taking place to rectify and help the situation. Just not as speedy as most would like. And I would really like to see how many people you’ve actually spoken to when you say that people have changed their minds on visiting Bermuda. I’m guessing that maybe 3 people you know are not coming now, say your relatives right? Thats a far cry from dictating the numbers of several thousand visitors that will come regardless of shootings. Not saying that these incidents are insignificant, but lets face facts, this has happened many times before in the past and people still come to the island. Maybe you should state real facts next time you post something.
I just wanna say that violence of all kinds happens all over the world. For instance, New York city…I am aware of it’s crime level, however it doesn’t stop me from travelling there, regularly. Yes, Bermuda has gotten bad with this crazy increase in violence, and will probably become much worse. But like ‘Ya’ll are just not smart enough’ said, people will still vacation in Bermuda. Even with the violence Bermuda is still very unique which is what attracts the most.
Angry people shouting at the police??? Why dont they shout the names of the people doing the shooting? Why not shout the names of the people that have been selling poison on their doorsteps for years?? I know – that kind of stuff doesnt go on up there – and if it does, it is ‘guys from somewhere else’.
Two female police (probably unarmed) – should they chase someone with a firearm who has just shot someone, regardless of police presence – hell no!!
Really you think that two police are probably unarmed when they are on duty when there is gun trouble on the island? Oh yea and I forgot that a chasing the gunmen isn’t their job…oh wait a friggin sec it is. I would be angry too when you don’t see anyone chasing when they have a chance. Reminds me of the laziness witnessed outside the courthouse where the escorts wouldn’t chase him more than a block. The police are losing their grip on the gang violence in Bermuda if not already so much as the gun toting men have enough courage to shoot, 3 times, in one day. Nice job on stepping up and making a presence somewhere. Bermuda is better off hoping that they will hopefully shoot themselves dead rather than the police and this government taking care of it.
Forgot to mention that we, as tax payers, are paying the police to get these people. Nice to see hard earned money at work.
Tim you sound ridiculous. You actually expect two unarmed police officers to chase after a gunman? The average police officer is NOT armed. Only the ERT carry guns, and I doubt those female police officers were from the ERT. Furthermore, it’s people like you who always have something to say but contribute nothing. This is not just a police issue, it’s a community issue. We ALL need to get involved and do our part. Stop putting all the blame on the police. The lesson here is: More action, less talk. Run along now.
Tim you really think that these cops are armed?…the only ones armed are ERT and unless it was them up there on patrol, the other cops wouldn’t give chase unarmed…would you go after them? prob not.
THANK YOU LOU,
SOMEONE NEEDS TO TALK SOME SENSE IN TIM HEAD. HE IS F**KING CLUELESS WHEN IT COMES TO POLICE WORK. HE NEEDS TO GO AND JOIN THE NEXT POLICE COURSE CLASS AND LET’S SEE IF TIM GOES OUT AND CHASES AFTER THIS PEOPLE WITH GUNS.
So if there has been numerous random shooting in the are WTF aren’t there armed police officers up there! You don’t need to be a cop or take a class to figure that 1 out…!
As a police officer you pledge your life before a civilian. If I made that pledge you better believe I would be chasing them and you better believe I would have taken the necessary precautions to ensure I could chase them. It is the Bermuda Police Service responsibility to chase them.
Well Tim, why don’t you be a police officer then. Stop talking about what you would do and starting doing something. There’s always someone from the sidelines running up their mouth and ain’t done a damn thing.
I’m sure you would not chase an armed suspect, especially one who has already discharged a number of rounds, if you were unarmed. I can nearly guarantee that your “cyber-bravery” would fade in seconds if an armed criminal were to aim their weapon at you. There is a difference between pledging one’s life before a civilian’s and stupidity. By your logic, the average unarmed beat-cop should be busting down the doors of known hot houses. This isn’t the movies Tim. Believe it or not, in reality Bruce Willis can’t kill 20 armed criminals with his bare hands.
Are you serious Lou! ITS THERE F#CKIN JOB! Yes chase them..Armed or not they all wear bullet proof vest at least they claim to or at least chase them enough to know there location! I would be and am vex and I don’t live up there so I can only imagine what they are feeling. What F&*kin sense is it to have police up there unarmed PLEASE MAKE ME UNDERSTAND when you have had a hail of gun fire just down the hill!
I’m assuming you’ve never taken a bullet while wearing a BPV. Believe me, it is comparable to being sucker-punched in the gut. The only valid point in your statement is the fact that unarmed police were the first to respond to the area. Since it is a known gang-territory there should be an ARV within a 45 second response time of the street at all times.
That may be true, but face reality, Four Two is a ‘HOT ZONE’ mate. As dubbed by several police officers and government officials. If the police were really doing their job, then an armed officer or two should be the only cops that are allowed to patrol that area, dont you think? Its called using your brain. God gave us all one so dumb excuses like they are unarmed in a HOT ZONE so they can’t give chase is a very lame point of view. Just look at it, cops are sittting in the known HOT ZONE, knowing that there is a potential shooting about to happen unarmed thinking that yeah we are here and nothing will happen and if it does well we are not gonna do anything, not even try and get the plate of the vehicle. All in all they need to do their jobs properly if they want to be effective which I am sorry to say from a visual, reading, and common knowledge perspective they are failing miserably.
Everybody blames the police, but yet the community does NOTHING but complain all day. Lets start blaming parents, fathers that are absent, our flawed school system, the church for being silent, those who live by the, “don’t snitch” code. There’s a lot of blame to go around. The solution starts with EVERYBODY coming together and fighting this problem as a community. But instead, all I hear is people bitching like little bitches.
Tim,
First of all if you don’t know what you are talking about keep you NEGATIVE F**king comments to yourself. I agree 100% with what DUFUS has said. If these people know who the person are that are doing it WHY ARE THEY SHOUTING AT THE POLICE ? WHY DON’T YOU GO AND CHASE THE GUNMEN YOURSELF IF YOU ARE GOT ALL THAT MOUTH. WHY DON’T YOU ASK THE PRISON OFFICER WHY HE DID’T PURSUE THE CHASE. IF THE POLICE ARE LOSING THERE GRIP MAYBE YOU SHOULD BE IN THE CLASS THAT HAS JUST STARTED FOR THE NEW POLICE OFFICERS. MAYBE TIM WILL MAKE A DIFFERENC SINCE HE IS TALKING A WHOLE BUNCH OF BS. WHAT TYPE OF JOB DO YOU HAVE? IF YOU HAVE ALL THE SMART AND RIGHT ANSWERS GO AND GIVE THEM TO THE POLICE. IF YOU WERE IN THE POLICE CAR AND HAD ON YOUR BULLET PROOF VEST AND A GUNMEN WAS COMING AFTER YOU OR GETTING AWAY, WOULD YOU CHASE THEM, IF YOU ARE NOT ARMED WITH A GUN??
If the cops aren’t armed then why the hell does Bermuda have police? To stand around and twiddle their thumbs?
THANK YOU TIM~~~~Knowing what has happened in the area not just that same day but all together WTF are you up there UNARMED!!??
Simple question Tim (and others): Besides paying your little taxes, what have you done to help solve the problem – just run up your mouth while comfortably sitting behind your computer??? If you haven’t done anything, don’t speak – STFU, {seriously).
If a police office shoots someone what the hell will everybody after about that,oh they didn’t have to do that or the parson that gets shot family will be taking shit,so who does what.
I want answers. Were the police officers armed? And if not, why would they have unarmed police officers patrolling in a known gang area? (Is it due to a lack of officers?)I KNOW that we do have officers with firearm training. I do NOT know where or if these officers are being utilised. We deserve to know these answers. I’m tired of excuses, I’m tired of BS and I’m tired of being left in the dark. In my opinion, not enough is being done. All I keep hearing is that the police need the public’s help to combat this gun violence (and I get that, I do) but I’m still not confident in our police force. And for those that are in the know, feel free to enlighten me on the things that the police department is doing to tackle this gun violence.
Jaylen to answer some of your questions,
It doesn’t matter if the police officers where armed or not patrolling up there in a known gang area is part of the job. The police patrol Court Street as well and that is known for gangs too. The armed officers are being utilised. If the police were not to patrol in those areas people would complain. I understand exactly what you are trying to say. People need to realise that the police need the information in order to catch these people. I hope this can be of some help to you.
It does matter if the police officers were armed or not. It matters as that is their excuse for not acting when they had the prime opportunity.
I will never understand why they have unarmed police officers in known hot spots.
What it seems like is that the police are having their force patrol the area to keep the residents satisfied when in reality those they have assigned to patrol the area not prepared to help in any way. They are simply there to show presence which is an act as if they are doing something but in actual fact they are USELESS (which is still and understatement)!
As far as the officers who were there during this particular incident and didn’t offer any help whatsoever… you should be ashamed! A complete failure! You signed up to be a police officer so fulfill your duties! If you do not want to, do us all a favor and resign. For once go to work to DO YOUR WORK not just to go through the motions for the money.
Its called an opinion!
POLICE NEED TO CARRY GUNS AND BE TRAINED IN USING THEM AT ALL TIMES…Clearly time s have changed and they need to step up there game if it means uniformed officers being armed at all times then so be it!
That is the answer. Unfortunately, and I am sad to say this is my opinion, I would not trust the average officer with a firearm.
YOU ARE KILLING ME (only in bermuda)….I KNOW ITS BEEN SAID BEFORE BUT WTF WOULD THE POLICE GO TO A JOB LIKE THAT UNARMED?:??????????????????? YOU SEEM SO ANGRY AT TIM BUT YOU ARE NOT MAKING ANY DAMN SENSE YOURSELF!!!!! YOU ARE THE ONE TALKING A BUNCH OF BS!!!!!FOR THE LONGEST TIME POLICE HERE HAVE BEEN SPOILED IN OUR BEAUTIFUL PARADISE, NOW ITS TURNING TO HELL WHERE THEY ACTUALLY HAVE TO DO REAL POLICE WORK AND ARE NOT TRAINED FOR IT!! DON’T GO UP TO THESE AREAS WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN SHOOTINGS UNARMED, SEND THE ERT OR BETTER STILL I BELIEVE WE NEED TO FLY IN SOME SPECIALISTS AND DEAL WITH IT SINCE OUR FORCE ISN’T TRAINED FOR THIS KIND OF STUFF!!! AND NO!! I’M NOT GONNA GO SIT IN A F#@KIN POLICE CLASS WITH THE NEW OFFICERS BECAUSE I’LL BE HONEST I DONT’ HAVE THE ANSWER FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I DO KNOW WITH THE REST OF THE EFFIN WORLD THAT WHAT IS GOING ON NOW ISN’T EFFIN WORKING AND SITTING IN A CLASS WON’T HELP EITHER, WE NEED EXPERIENCED PEOPLE TO COME CLEAN THIS SH#$t UP NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its only so much that the police can do,if they go and kick the door in they what,we would all be saying oh the police did have to do that or this,why don’t some of you get of your ass and join the force,they you would all know what you can and can’t do.If my son is paying my bills and giving me what I want I must tell,hell no,so that is whats going on out there,you mean to tell me you leave home to go work,come back and that bustard is still in his bed,and at the end of the mouth the bills have been taken care of,tell me something about that pic.On the other hand my so was this and my son was that,no you all know what your sons are,trust me.
Turn the caps lock off and write a statement that is legible.
What I’m saying is if Bermuda can’t get it self together everyone that’s not Bermuda is going to pull out and have nothing to do with it anymore. For goodness sake the Swiss are making offers that are hard to refuse. Do you possibly think that people are going to want to stay in Bermuda? nope. Everything’s going downhill and it’s not getting bigger. Bermuda’s digging their own grave and it’s only a matter of time before it’s in it. Priorities in this country are down the drain.
TIM,
WHY DON’T YOU JOIN THE POLICE OR RESERVE POLICE TO SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE ? LET’S SEE IF TIM WILL GO AND CHASE THE GUYS WITH A GUN IF HE IS ONLY ARMED WITH HIS VEST, THE CAPTOR SPRAY, TASER GUN AND ASP. TIM SHOW US BERMUDIANS HOW YOU WILL STOP A BULLET WITH YOUR VEST ON, CAPTOR SPRAY, ASP, AND YOUR TASER GUN. THIS IS A POPCORN MOMENT TO SEE TIM TAKE ON THE GUYS WITH THE GUNS.
Seriously now, “only in Bermuda”, TYPING LIKE THIS DOESN’T REALLY DO MUCH BUT MAKE YOU LOOK STUPID.
That said, why are you victimizing the police? It’s their job. As Tim said, why do we even have police? If they aren’t equipped to do anything more than I can, where is my (considerable) salary?
The point is that the officers on duty chose to be in this profession SO DO YOU DAMN JOB SIMPLE! You are really tryign to say that they shoudlnt cahse them come on!
only in Bermuda,
For all you know, Tim is sitting in a wheelchair. It is not citizens’ job to chase the criminals.
Maybe the gunmen would have shot at the officers, maybe not, we don’t know. It would have made a world of difference if the officers could have pursued them while calling in for armed backup.
Police officers are humans too. They have a fears and families. They are equipped to do more than the law-abiding citizen with captor spray, ASP, BPV, and a taser gun. An armed criminal has a huge advantage on the average beat-cop. This isn’t Hollywood!
The first officers on scene arrived within two minutes. They did not witness the shooting and had no information on the location of the suspects. Because of that their first priority was to assess and secure the scene. That is the standard protocol worldwide.
I’ve said it before; I”ll say it again…round up all the known gang members, put them on an island in the Sound somewhere with unlimited guns and ammunition and let them shoot it out…in broad daylight. Last one standing gets picked off by a sharpshooter.
To the gang members: This is MY island, too, you jackasses…and every last one of you is f*#@ing it up. I”m tired of it; your neighbors are tired of it…and do you honestly think your children are going to grow up to respect you? (Or are you more interested in bringing them up to be gang members, too?)
I second that! I hoep the guns backfire and they shoot themselves in the face! HAD ENOUGH!
These gang members exist because they are able to making a living as criminals. People from all walks of life consume their products. These ‘criminals’ are just middle men. Sidewalk retailers.
@ KMHBermuda – Rounding up all the gang memebers and having them shoot each other will not solve anything. Gang memebers are like roaches, you kill one there’s another one lurking around the corner. Bermuda has to get to the root of the problem; if not, the gangs will only multiply. Just look at L.A.
Dear Shooter(s)….from a frustrated citizen…
This may never get to you…but I have to get this off my chest
As bad as it may sound…sometimes I get tired of asking WHY?
I know the Why is complex…Maybe you have even questioned WHY?
The reasons…I can think of many …family, failed government, lack of opportunity, no personal responsibility, pain, trauma, lack of education, boredom, money, revenge, drugs, pressure, fear, respect…or just because…
I could go on and on….not trivialize WHY…
there are probably a million WHY’s all of which are important…and need to be addressed if we can ever move forward…
But pardon me in my moment of frustration… at this point all I can think of is …
WHEN?
So can you at least tell me When?
When did it start?
When will this end?
When will you be satisfied?
When will you find peace?
Will it be when your “enemies” die? When their families die? Will it be when your friends die? When your family dies? When you die? Is that when you will find peace?
When can children go out and play without worrying about being shot?
When can my mom drive in her car without worrying about being shot?
When can I go and visit my friends and families without worrying about being shot?
When can my friends come to visit Bermuda without worrying about being SHOT?
By YOU…Shooter(s)
When can I wake up and read a newspaper headline that is not about YOU?
When will YOU stop trying to hold OUR community captive?
When will WE find peace?
Will it be when you die? Is that when we will be able to find peace?
When will we hear your story….Will it be when you realize the errors of your ways…Will it be when someone reaches out to you…Will it be on the front page of the Royal Gazette…or will it be during your funeral?
When will this end?
I know there are lot’s of WHY’s…but as a frustrated citizen…I just need to know When?
Very poignant post. Thank you…
Thanks….frustrated but not hopeless
The first time I came to your island, I fell in love…
I fell in love with the sun, sea, scenery, and the people…
I explored, and experienced so much while on Bermuda (more than I would ever have allowed myself to experience at home in Canada)
When you look out the window of the plane, and see the islands as you get closer, the excitement that pumps in your veins is overwhelming…
To see the beauty of the water, (it’s a very different color than what I’m used to)…
Stepping out of the airport, to a can of Dark N Stormy…ahhhh
Greeting Bermuda by stepping in the ocean at Horseshoe Bay Beach…
Waking up each morning to have my coffee, and commune with God with the morning sunrises (worth every penny of my ticket)…
Dancing in the rain that was a warm as my shower… (I miss that in our cold weather rains)…
The foods that I can not get here in Canada, made me feel that much closer to my homeland of Jamaica (puts Bermuda in a very special part of my heart)…
The pictures I took will las me a lifetime… the memories will last for eternity…
I left the island after 9 glorious days…
When I first came to Bermuda in 2007, there was a lot less violence than 2010…back then, you heard of one or two murders per year…
I just came back from my last vacation in BDA in August 2010…the weekend before I got there, there was a murder of a “known gang affiliate”, attempted murder of two other “known gang associates”…
I have been home for just one month, and I’ve lost count of how many “shootings” and “attempted murders” I have heard about…
I understand that the people are upset with the police… personnaly I am more upset with the Government… (that’s a whole other conversation)
I am so distraught with all the news of the shootings… especially as the latest one happened right across the street from where I stayed on my last trip…
Bermuda is too small an island for so much violence… Bermuda is too beautiful an island for the people to distroy with violence… Bermudians, please fight for your island…You have Paradise on earth…it should not be turned into Hell just because the minority wants to tote guns and bullets…The Bermudian people have been around longer than the Gangs…I so wish there was a way to fight for your island…I want to fight for your island…Bermudians please stand up and take back your island…fight the GOVERNMENT to make better changes for you…
Have the Government ever thought, maybe if there were more affordable housing, more affordable health care (from doctors, dentists, and other health professionals) who knows what they are doing, there may be less stress for violence??? It is much easier for the young man to join a gang that is going to put a few dollars in his pocket for a place to lay his head at night, because his momma is too busy working 3-4 jobs to put food on the plate, roof over his head, and clothes on his back…that she can not patrol his comings and goings…
Maybe if the GOVERNMENT put more social activities in place to keep these kids off the street and put more funding into educating these kids and helping them to run from the violence, maybe there will be less and less reasons for young men to recruit other young men to violence…
Maybe if the GOVERNMENT stopped padding their pockets with your hard-earned monies, and put the money back into BERMUDA, I will read about the Bermudian Footballers, Rugby players, International Spelling Bee Championship, etc…rather than all the murders and gang related shootings…
I will be back… I always come back to Bermy…I am Jamaican born, Canadian raised, Bermudian by choice of heart…
There is so much more to Bermuda than the violence, and the incompetence of the GOVERNMENT… (what I am trying to say may not come out as articulate as it should)… but I believe the GOVERNMENT and the people need to work together, to take back and bring forth the Bermuda that I know is there… PARADISE on earth…
Excellent read, and thanks for your continued support of our island….
JamaicanFlower I must agree with you. Bermuda is so much more than the violence that is trying to claim the streets. As a Bermudian born and raised I am still proud of my country, despite all the ignorance.
All of this negativity is clouding the media, what about all of the POSITIVE that is going on. Not all of Bermuda’s youth are lost! It is unfortunate for those who are still on the straight and narrow who are not being given their time to shine.
Getting back to this shooting, I can not be mad at unarmed police officers who chose not to chase someone who is armed. Yes, it is their job to protect and serve but how many civilians were witness to the shooting and also did nothing? If you saw something or know something please DON’T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF! Coming forward could help to get some of these “thugs” off the street.
THINK ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN AND THEIR SAFETY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well put! Easier said than done, but surely worth the try. I miss the days where I was worry free in my island Paradise, now I can’t even go to the store at night without wondering who is this on a bike behind me or who is this behind me in a car? I have no reason to be shot at, but I really don’t feel safe anymore at all and it scares me to think that things will get worse.
WOW!!! Kudos! That was a good read! Changed my focus….
We need answers and solutions, not more questions.
SMDH MAN DOWN HOLLA (IN fRANKY’S VOICE) LOFL
I think its time for the Regiment to get involved. If the politician and the police let them do there job, i bet they will get some sort of justice or answers. The real question is, would Bermuda be ready for the army to go do the job police cannot, or would they have something to say when they do the job that will require a very very aggressive attitude?
@Fed up….and what is the regiment gonna do? You really think that will work. I know my cousin or friend wouldn’t want to be shot at, over some dumb s**t. An they certainly wouldn’t wanna fire back at anyone (whether they got guns) especially since, many times said before, bermuda is WAY TOO SMALL and people KNOW EVERYONE regardless of race, color, etc.
@bdashotta,
Don’t worry TIM SAYS HE WILL TAKE THE PLEDGE AND CHASE AFTER THE GUYS WITH THE GUNS EVEN IF HE DOES HAVE ON HIS VEST, CAPTOR SPRAY, ASP AND HIS TASER GUN. MAYBE YOU AND I CAN ENJOY THE POPCORN TOGETHER AS WE ALL WATCH TIM TAKE ON THESE GUYS. LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT PLAIN SALT,SEASONING SALT OR THE YEAST POPCORN?
Shut the hell up “Only in Bermuda” ya pissing me off and ya boring! Everyone has a right to their opinion. I agree with Tim…if the police are going to do their job they need to be equipped to do so! Why they send 2 women up there?? To stand there and look pretty? They didn’t wanna break their nails?? WTF??!! I’M DISGUSTED!!! They are police officers! I DON’T CARE IF THEY WAS ARMED OR NOT! they should have done something…our system for everything on this island is such a joke. And you all wanna criticize people for leaving….
Thanks for being absolutely sexist. Clearly the male police officers are superior and doing a brilliant job and it’s the women who are incompetent.
Get real.
GROW UP ONLY IN BDA SERIOUSLY! Its there JOB!!! Yes they shoudl have chased them!
ONLY IN BERMUDA – SHUT UP YOU SOUND STUPID
only in Bermuda is a troll. Don’t feed the trolls.
@Fed up
You have too much faith in the Regiment. As a currently conscripted soldier, I can tell you for a fact that some people in my platoon have guns in their houses. One of the guy’s in my platoon in westgate right now for gun charges. The Regiment performs minimal background checks, and many soldiers are skipped.
I admit that many of the officers are great leaders, and many of the soldiers are smart men. They are only part-time soldiers and are no replacement for the Police. Half of us do not even show up to camp. I would rather go to the Guard Room, than shoot at my own people.
@ bdashotta I agree with what you said 100%. We are all one people.
So if you know guys in your platoon have guns when are you going to make the difference and call that crime stoppers hotline? What is the regiment going to do huh? you as a conscripted soldier just gave up intelligence which is also something the regiment teaches you. Intelligence a.k.a reconnaissance a.k.a gathering information. Which you have clearly gave. so what can the regiment do? you just done your part. Why don’t you go a step further and start giving up some names.
Regiment hasn’t taught me anything like that. All the regiment has taught me is how to march in parades. Somethings the majorettes still do better than us.
Good point about crimestoppers. We wouldn’t have much of a regiment if I called all the names in. On the range, even Regimental officers have openly admitted that people in their social circles have weapons and that they have held them outside of camp.
If I had any clue who was bringing the guns in I’d report them without hesistation. They are the problem. Who doesn’t have access to a gun these days?
I am up the Regiment to, and guys up there become obsessed with guns when they learn how to use them, I see it on the range they get pumped up and start talking about how they wish they could shoot guys. I think the regiment is important for some people so they get discipline and help Bermuda in the Hurricane, but most guys up there don’t really learn anything it is just a cheap way for the Government to clean up the Hurricane. I waste so much time there doing nothing. On the subject though the real issue is that the Regiment can’t do anything, they are not trained properly to deal with this, most police officers especially in the UK are trained to keep a focus on public safety and to use psychology to their advantage. We don’t have skilled officers like this, in fact we pushed them all out once the PLP came into power and replaced them with Bahamian cops looking for a pay day. So no wonder these people don’t want to get shot they have no sense of duty to the community only to getting paid. The UK has its fair share of gun violence but also it’s officers are not typically armed unless there is a terrorist threat. The regiment has no sufficient training in these areas, if anything it is a mikey mouse army with 0 combat experience. Just a bunch of adults bullying each other because they can’t find a sense of belonging. I tell you what if someone wants to sexually assault another male then the regiment is the place for you. I know that happens there I have heard pure sh*t .
If you know for a fact that people in your platoon have firearms in their possession then you are part of the problem for not reporting it.
The Regiment is comprised of people from all walks of life. Gang members included.
Seems you’ve accumulated several haters. Don’t worry, I feel your frustration, Tim.
I believe one has to be a complete idiot to think that just because someone lives in a certain neighborhood automatically means they know who the gunmen are. Dufus, If someone shoots at your neighbor and speeds away, does that mean you should know who that gunman is? If YOU know so much about those who have been “selling poison” for years, do you not find it frustrating that the police haven’t done anything in so many years? Or do they get a free pass for that too? After all it’s the fault of people in that neighborhood, no? They are the ones to blame for not trusting our advanced police force (obviously, being facetious) in these matters! What a shame! What a joke!
Tim seems to be the only one who is aware that the days of Bermuda’s Police Officers having a more “low risk” job in comparison to many other places in the world are OVER (and no, I’m not saying their job isn’t hard)!
Times have changed and they need to catch up! Beyond anything – and correct me if I’m wrong, Tim – I believe this was Tim’s main point. Sorry that you and a few others missed it. You’re welcome.
@Oh Really – read the article – it says that people on scene recognized the shooter – end of!
As for selling poison. I am talking from personal experience when I say that the very people that are complaining now have complained for years about when police turn up to search these guys onthe street. Back then the cops were harrassing the guys that are just ‘sitting off’. You dont read about the bottles thrown at cops, or batteries or rocks.
@Tim – I am trying to decide whether you are just trolling here or whether you need mental help – do you really think that cops sign up to take a bullet for a civillian? I cant say much more about the nonsense you have typed, but like the others who have commented – let me suggest to you that you should join up and walk the beat in these areas with nothing but a vest to protect you – lets see how many foot chases you get into.
Finally – despite the negativity, thanks to Bermuda’s ‘thin blue line’ – noone ever said it would be easy for our men and women officers, but remember, it is easy to criticize from behind a computer screen!!
@Dufus,
The Police know the risks when they put on that uniform. Just like bouncers know the risks when they stand at a door. I have friends in the Canadian Forces and the British Army, and I have worked bar doors with them as well. As Bouncers the pays wasn’t great and some of them were stabbed, and jumped on their way home. I still have my private guard license and when I was on duty I knew that I was at risk.
Police don’t want to get shot at and they won’t to die. They have a job where they are put into those situations, and if they don’t perfom their dut in those situations, they should not be employed.
I would like to know if those officers in this article actually did nothing, or if it only appeared that they did nothing. As far as I’m concerned, if someone shoots me, and while I’m on the side of the road the police watch, they’ve helped the criminal.
@ D,
Your such a hypocrite. You said ” if someone shoots me, and while I’m on the side of the road the police watch, they’ve helped the criminal.” But in your earlier statement you said you know guys that have guns. Have you told the authorities of these people that you claim to know have guns? You are more of a criminal then the police that watched the shooting.
@Fed Up
This is Bermuda. We all know who the criminals are. They are our neighbours, our cousins, and our friends.
I should have written that “if someone attacks me, and while I’m on the side of the road the police watch, they’ve helped the criminal.”
The gun isn’t the issue, it is the motivation of the shooters. Guns are illegal so having one is a crime. It’s also a crime to take a knife with you when you go fishing. There are many ways that someone could attack me.
I did see the police car shortly after the incident occured. It has been reported that the incident was far away from where they were and that is why they didn’t respond.
@ D – Bermuda Police didnt sign up to get involved in gun-play. It is a relatively new thing in Bermuda (at least as far as this extent is concerned). If the officers in question were armed I would expect them to chase them. But, assuming they werent (because only a select few are), just think it through…They chase, the guy falls off his bike and takes them for a run – they catch up to him…what are they gonna do? What is he gonna do? – after all, as far as he is aware, he just killed somebody – what does he have to lose? I know – they can throw their asp at the gunman!
If you want to criticizw, then direct the criticism to those in authority who lack the courage to arm ALL our police. Or better still, criticize those who embrace the mentality that breeds this contemptuous behaviour. How about those that have been silent for YEARS while antisocial behaviour has proliferated these neighbourhoods, including those that are so vocal now! Those that shouted that the police work for parkside are hypocrits – their silence (and in a lot of cases their profitting from these clowns actions)over the years meant they work for the gang!
@Dufus
This is getting deep. IMHO the crime the we have here is related to drugs. It has been alleged that some police officers may have used drugs. The guns being brought here come on the same boats that carry the drugs. It is not hard to smuggle anything into an island where boats are not searched.
I sincerely believe that police officers are not actually concerned about drugs. IMHO they want to reduce the crime, and keep the drug users off the sidewalk. They want to keep up appearances. IMHO They don’t have a problem with the drugs being here, they just want them to be used in private.
@ D reference your post below: (for some reason I cant reply to yours)
It needs to ‘get deep’. For some reason Bermudians seem to be afraid to get deep into issues. The issue has been so clouded that everyone is missing the real problem. So much is being made of these cops that allegedly did nothing – look at the threads relating to other shootings – they certainly dont have 95 posts at the end. People are being mentally lazy – it is so eay to treat these cops as a scapegoat, especially without considering the finer points of the situation. But this would hav happened whether or not the cops were there and THAT is the problem.Even if they HAD chased the gunman and even if they HAD caught him, there is still a growing culture of violence and a prevalent disregard for life that so many are tut tutting at, but not dealing with.
So, who are the real culprits? Now – that question requires some mental effort. Is it the police? No. They are expected to be everywhere all the time – not practical.Is it the so-called ‘system’? What the hell is the ‘system’ – did the ‘system’ buy the gun for him or pull the trigger? No – that excuse is a lame one. So who is it? It is the parents of these so-called gangsters, it is the neighbourhood people that for years have refused to help police and in many instances abused police when they have been around to do their bit; maybe it is the government whose promises have gone unfulfilled – e.g. why do we still not have a suitable early intervention program in the schools? i.e. pshycologists, behaviour experts. Look at the RG today and the history of some of the individuals concerned and ask how they could hav benefitted from appropriate guidance and help. And it is also the fault of those amongst us who see no harm in buying a bag of weed on the weekend – you support this gangster crap!
It is time for Bermuda to come out of the shallow end and deal with the monsters that lie in the deep.
@Dufus
You are correct. Very strong points.
@Dufus
If you think your so smart. Why don’t you run for Premier.
@D
No comment.
@ Fed Up – that’s a bit of a nursery school remark isnt it? I dont profess to be anything at all. I just voice my opinion – last time I checked I am still entitled……
TO BERNEWS,
YOU GUYS/LADIES do an EXCELLENT JOB KEEPING THE ISLAND INFORMED of what is going on. PLEASE KEEP AND BE SAFE AS YOU GO OUT THERE ON THE STREETS.
alright so you have something good to say….THE ONLY THING I AGREE WITH YOU ON!!!
The fact is that until a cop is shot or a tourist is gun down they wont even dare to try and chase guys!And when one of these two events happens they will allow the cops to carry guns and as a (foriegn)cop has said to me that “we are in bermuda to work for money and we dont care about u bermudians, we have had practice shooting and will shoot u idiots one time!!!” So basically we are screwed, hopefully someone of some sort of pull over certain guys stops this crazy cowboy style shootings for the young! we still have the time to stop things from getting to the foriegn state of crime, because we have been blessed that it has takin this long for bermuda to have gun crime and we have the chance..one luv, i luv u bermy luv yourself!!!
No Police presence?! Hmph, and everyone thinks Tim is being too hard on our poor little Police Force. Awwww
GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA – YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE – YOU WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS
THE LAME DUCK GOVERNMENT THAT ENCOURAGED GUN VIOLENCE IN BERMUDA AND FOR RAPIDLY
DESTROYING THE TOURIST INDUSTRY THAT PUT FOOD IN THE MOUTHS OF BERMUDIAN AND
THE “SHOOTERS”. YOU NOT SO BRIGHT SHOOTERS – IF THERE IS NO TOURISM THERE IS
NO JOBS. IF THERE IS NO JOBS – THERE IS NO MONEY. IF THERE IS NO MONEY -
YOU WON’T GET PAID. ITS THAT SIMPLE. SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL TURN THE GUN ON YOURSELVES BECAUSE YOU ARE TRULY SHOOTING YOURSELVES IN THE FOOT.
THIS IS TODAY, THIS IS NOW. BERMUDA HAS BEEN ON
THE WORLD STAGE FROM HURRICANE IGOR.
YOUR SHOOTING FUN IS NOW A WORLD WIDE NEWS ITEM.
IT IS FROM THE WORLD TOURIST COME.
TOURIST ARE NOT COMING TO BERMUDA FROM THIS TIME FORWARD.
ANY SUGGESTION ON HOW YOU ARE GOING TO GET PAID?????
@Joya
Ultimately you are right!
Tourism is an imporant industry in itself, and it supports international business. We need tourists to keep our hotels running. We need the hotels to house temp workers.
The gun violence does make the island less attractive to foreignors. Sadly, we still need foreignors to run our businesses. If foreign workers leave they will take jobs with them. Bermudians are climbing the ladders, but foreignors own the ladder. We do have some amazing local companies, and amazing individuals here. The question is, can we sustain our standard of living without foreignors living here…
Sorry to correct you, but the GOVENOR is responsible. He is in charge of the police. And everytime a shooting happens, his office goes to a complete FLATLINE!! Our government can only do so much, so if the govenor chooses to do nothing, then nothing is exactly what we will get out of the police department.
Also, tourism is not Bermuda’s life or bloodline. And if people take note of the real fatcs out there and not just spew BS, then one would realise that for this quarter, tourism is up rather than down. Just stating facts, not opinions.
Tourism is up as there is an increase in cruise ship arrivals… realistically it is a false positive since all the “cruise ship goers” go right back to the boat and eat and drink till their heart is content… and our hotels, restaurants and other small local businesses continue to sink… please don’t get blinded by the bs
Tourism is up for the quarter, but let’s look at the big picture. The tourism industry is not nearly substantial enough to support the citizens of Bermuda. International Business is already beginning to move elsewhere. I know of specific insurance companies that have decided to open new offices in Canada rather than expand in Bermuda. When the insurance companies leave they’ll turn the lights off on their way out.
Again I say wow!! just look at all the venom being spewed because our opinions are not the same!! people have a right to exspress how they feel.. just because their opinion is not the same as yours you have no right to be caling them names..YES the police will take some sort of flack for this ….maybe they were within their rights to just sit there after all it is just an allegation..I personally would not chase anyone that has a loaded weapon and the windscreen of my car is not bullet proof…however I do take issue with the latest posting that they did not render assistance and help after the victim had been shot and that area residents rushed to his aid..if this is turns out to be true and not an allegation than shame on them…they are trained in first aid and could have at least offered some form of help in that area…Also to the fact that two areas were incidents happened did not appear to be monitored later on in the night..this I to hope is just an allegation.
Getting angry with one another in our responses is not going to help the situation.. I don’t have a solution to the problem but I am not going to add to it by fussing with someone who doesn’t agree with me..it just doesn’t make sense..I to wish for peace and for those young men to put their weapons down..but until that time whilst we agree to disagree we must ALL work together.. have a great day everybody..peace and love!!!
Thanks….frustrated but I am not hopeless…
If the police had gone out to the major gang areas in force yesterday, today all we’d be hearing about is how they’re racist, and harassing innocent people, and need to “just leave us alone”! “They’re good boys, just sittin’ off with their friends… ain’t nobody causing trouble, those people aren’t from this area, this is good people and these police have the nerve to come in here? They just want to intimidate and harass us!” (etc etc etc)
Yet if they don’t go out in sufficient force and something does happen…
Bermuda needs to WAKE UP. Somewhere along the line, in popular culture the police became the bad guys… as long as that attitude exists here (and it does, in spades) Bermuda will continue to have gun/gang problems. No respect for or cooperation with police plus glamorization of the gang life, what exactly did you think the result would be?
This is war inna de streets and if da police can’t do their job…step aside Boy Blue! JDF is what we need. Put the fear of God in these thugs and drug dealers. BDA..yah too soft! Blessed.
@JOYA – First off – the GOVERNMENT of BERMUDA does not control the POLICE DEPARTMENT – they are controlled by the GOVENOR – so get your facts stratight when you make accusations of that nature. If you recall there was an uproar by the Government a few months back about getting control of the POLICE DEPARTMENT and it did not pan out. I honestly think that if the Government has more control of the POLICE things would be a bit more tightly run – especially since I know that the MP for the ‘Back of Town Area’ has be very pro-active in trying to address the needs of his constituents.
Instead of everyone bytching – how bout a petition being started for the GOVENOR to either bring in re-inforcements from the Mother Land until the streets are ridden of the problems or ensure that not just the GUN Team and other Police Officers are provided with GUN training so they can carry guns – and perhaps CCTV should be installed in these ‘hot spots’ – considering it has been proven on numerous occasions that the mobile Police unit is not always manned – it’s just a point for officers to I guess meet and greet at times.
If I was a police officer, I’d have a hard time caring a whole lot about how well I do my job given that once the criminal gets into the justice system, they’re unlikely to get a conviction, and even more unlikely to get a reasonable sentence.
so true!
MAYBE EVERYONE SHALL STOP AND LOOK AT THE BIBLE FOR TOO MINUTES. THESE EVENTS HAVE TO TAKE PLACE BEFORE GOD DESTROYS THIS SYSTEM OF THINGS. REMEMBER HOW CAN WE HAVE A PEACEFUL EARTH IF SATAN IS THE RULER OF THIS SYSTEM. REVELATION 12:9-SO DOWN THE GREAT DRAGON WAS HURLED THE ORIGINAL SERPENT, THE ONE CALLED DEVIL AND SATAN, WHO IS MISLEADING THE ENTIRE INHABITANT EARTH, HE WAS HURLED DOWN TO THE EARTH AND HIS ANGELS WERE HURLED DOWN WITH HIM. ITS ABOUT TO GET WORST. 2 TIMOTHY 3 IN THE LAST DAYS CRITICAL TIMES WILL BE HARD TO DEAL WITH WILL BE HERE. PRAY FOR WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. ASK GOD TO SHOW YOU THE ANSWERS.
Terrible things are happening in Bermuda today. Let us not forgetting about the things that happened on this island in 30s. I’m sure believing that now is the ‘end of days’ gives your life more meaning but that is not the reality. I only have high expectations for my future.
*forget
Isn’t god reponsible for the shootings, oh and the EQ that was in Hati, oh and the Hurricane?? We should just sit back and let him do his magic, he’s doing it everyday as far as I am concerned. Maybe we have sinned and these are his Angels of death taking lives of the sinners, takin them down to firery hell. Likely?? I think not? Maybe they are witches lets burn them at the stake before Halloween or surely the Devil will take over.
Turn the caps lock off for “two” minutes.
I’m not gonna add to fuel to the fire and put the blame anywhere. I just want people to start educating their selves!!! The police force in Bermuda is not here to protect the average citizen!! That’s why it’s called HM Police or for you all that don’t know what HM stands for it’s Her Majesty’s Police. Ok why do I say that, because the #1 priority of the police force is to protect the interest of the Queen only. I guarantee that if somebody shot up the Governor’s house or went on a shooting spree on Front Street, every police officer on this island would be there!! Also why do you think that the gun laws are the way they are in Bermuda and the U.K.? Because if you unarm the common folks, then you can control them much easier by having them constantly living in fear. The job of the police is to respond to an incident after it occurs, case and point yesterday, someone gets shot then the police respond. What if we the common folks could own guns legally, then I bet a criminal would think twice about mugging an old lady or raping somebody’s daughter because they might be armed!! It is our GOD GIVEN RIGHT to be able to defend ourselves!!! That why in the US they are trying to get rid of the 2nd amendment. It’s already too late here but just think about it, if somebody wants to shoot you or me how can we defend ourselves if we’re not armed!! I don’t wanna be dead then the police come after that, what happened to my right to protect myself before the police are even involved!! I’m tired of hearing that “the public need to assist the police”, the laws in this country need to assist the public and not the LAW MAKERS!!! It’s never going to change unless we address the real leaders of this country and trust me, it’s NOT our ELECTED officials!! Remember, when they come into office they take an oath to the Queen!!! Not to the public that elected them into office!!! Google “The Ring of Power” and at least try to pay attention to something that really matters other than who Man U is playing today, or who’s album is dropping this week!! Get out of the hypnosis that is the television and stand up for HUMANITY before life as we know it is GONE!!! Ok that’s my spill for the day, I hope the victim makes a full recovery though!!
‘With much respect’….
I agree.
I agree, ‘Much Respect’.
Well guys i am from St Monicas, i stay in the government gate area….those guys like tim are talking about stuff they dont know….FYI….the police car with the 2 unarmed women was further up the road by government gate coming down when the shooting happened….i didnt even hear the shots and they were way up the road from where i was i dont possibly see how they could have been aware of what was going on…secondly….by the time the old lady stopped them and told them about it, the boy was already shot and the bike was long gone….and to my people that threw bottles at the police car, im ashamed of you and your mothers. Instead of you lot taking responsibility for bringing the violence to your area, you seek to blame others. Then when they find you with a hole in you, your mothers behave as though you lot were the church go-ers of the year. get real, no police can solve your problems without information to take to the courts. you have to solve your own problems. you have brought this upon yourselves. Good luck to you, im moving out of here cause im not going to be in the way of them the next time they come back to finish what they started.
100% AGREE with this statement…
Whenever a shooting happens the victim is portrayed to be some angel by those that know them, but I’m sure to the person that shot them they were the devil…
I don’t understand how ppl could be so stupid as to throw bottles at the Police car… These offciers were unarmed as were the neighbors up there, why none of them stopped the shooters?!?
well said!
@ Confused, I was just having that same conversation with colleagues of mine. The Bermuda Police do not follow the code of the US Police: To Protect and Serve. The US police are taught how to defend themselves against gunmen, we are not, this is not a part of our everyday living even though the island is heading in that disastrous way. We don’t have target practice or SWAT teams here to assist us with the spiraling gun crime that is occurring here. There are only a select chosen few that have access to guns on the Police Force and those officers have to be trained in target shooting. What is going to happen is that the people of Bermuda are going to start taking things into their own hands. It is almost inevitable that a mother or child will get caught in this gunfire and there will be nothing that will stop their family member from retaliating. My confusion: the government and police are aware of the known “gang” areas but do nothing to alleviate the public’s concern of gun violence. You can talk all you want to talk but the time is now for action. The government and the police need to step up! If they are afraid to do so, let’s take it a step further and call for help.From what I can remember years ago, Scotland Yard was brought in to assist and with their assistance the crime waves decreased. Let’s ask for help; there is no shame. If the Bermuda Police are afraid for their lives and do not want to get involved, let someone come into our island and do a clean sweep. We need help to end this violence. Until something is done, there will be more murders and even sadder casualties.
US Police are taught how to defend themselves against gunmen using their standard issue firearms. Please, enlighten me as to how an unarmed officer can defend their person from an armed suspect. There is a SWAT team on the island that is on standby 24 hours a day. It is called the Emergency Response Team or ERT. They are used in high-tension, high-danger situations where the suspect is usually in a known location, cornered, and armed. Because the ERT is operated on an on-call basis it can take up to 30 minutes for them to be tasked to an emergency situation. There is no need for an ERT 30 minutes after a drive-by shooting; the suspects will be long gone. This is where Armed Response Vehicles (ARV) come in. These officers are armed with semi-automatic firearms (as opposed to sub-machine guns used by the ERT, specifically the MP5). Their response time is much shorter as ARV’s patrol 24/7. The question is; why is there not an ARV dedicated to be within 45 seconds response time of this known gang location?
@ Y’all just aint smart enough.
I lived in Bermuda for 10 years and if it wasn’t for my father’s wishes we never would have left. Now, living near Boston there are a lot of people that used to go to Bermuda two to three times a year. My family, as you say go to Bermuda two to three times a year! The place is a paradise! But, believe me when I tell you that going to Bermuda was a great time to relax and not look over your shoulder because of violence.Now you have to be very careful where you are at night especially while waiting for a bus or taxi at night.
I echo your words “Wow”. Reality is, what you have stated is overflowing more in the community than is being acknowledged. This was seen and demonstrated by the residents of the “42 Street” area when they basically attacked the Police verbally and via missels. An incident took place there and the Police responded. It’s only human nature to be stressed out at times like this but don’t all jump out when the threat has gone and put blame on the only ones that can’t be everywhere and at all times.
This old adage about “not in my backyard” is becomming old and useless especially when the people who come to help clean it up and help ease the blight are shunned and abused.
Plus all these attacks on the “Boys In Blue” are not warrented. I know, been there done that.
Who you gonna call when something happens…….’Ghost Busters’….? Ghosts are useless and we should rid ourselves of these pests. They only cause nightmares and instability within our minds.
The people involved and their cohorts and the ones that make the monies from ‘turf crossing’ are the ones that need to be dragged to the table. It’s takes more than a Policeman to help a village……..it takes the village.
Peace and bless up……
@ Bri
Hey Bri, you’re kidding me right? You want to compare a city with a populationof at least 8 million people with thousands of armed police officers to an island nation of 64,000 and very few armed police officers. Further more in downtown NYC, there are a lot of eyewitnesses at almost any time of the day and in town Hamilton there are not many people on the streets which can make crime a little easier.
I love Bermuda and don’t want it to become a Jamaica.
Quick question Bdashotta…the police won’t help you out. Tell us why you feel this way.
When Clean sweep happened in the 90′s crime actually went up. As long as weed is expensive and guys can make $$$ out of it, people will get shot. Look at Mexico what a mess. The war on marijuana has failed, it is time to stop making criminals and decriminalise it is time to take profits away from dealers so they can’t buy these Guns in the first place.
Real TALK!!!
Attention the Nation of the Bermuda
Thus said the Lord… “I am allowing things to happen to get your attention. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, I, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Nation of Bermuda ~ Government, political parties, businessmen and women, professional, career, white collar, blue collar, unions, rich people, poor people, teenagers, children all ages, all people, nations, and languages, I the Lord am calling of you to Repent and seek my face. It is time for REVIVAL! It is time to REPENTENCE! It is time for RENEWAL! It is time to come back to Me your first love! Now is the acceptable time! REPENT! REPENT! REPENT! This shall ring out throughout all people, nations, and languages. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. I am calling for the whole Nation of Bermuda to be shut down in a time of seeking my face.
As it was done in Jonah’s time where the people of Nineveh believed I God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. They said “Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger that we perish not?” And I, God saw their works that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. I am that same God that can turn things around.
I am calling forth a coming and joining together of the Nation of Bermuda ~ Government, political parties, businessmen and women, professional, career, white collar, blue collar, unions, rich people, poor people, teenagers, children all ages, all people, nations, and languages.
This violence is affecting each person great or small. Come unto Me and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. REPENT! REPENT! REPENT! ”
Stone Mountain, Georgia ~ 10:04 am ~ 12/17/09
@Logic76….what experience do you have from the US, as it’s completely different in many aspects from Bermuda, especially dealing with its residents? Were you a meter maid? Who says that they don’t kick down doors and harass residents in Bermy?? I’ve sure as hell experienced it before, and I can speak for some of my bredrens, cousins, family members. How could it be living hell when we live in paradise. And after reading your letter, definitely sounds like you want Bermuda to become a police-state, or just shift its ways to be similar to law enforcement in the US and elsewhere, sadly your mistaken as that won’t happen here.
>>>>>Constantly harass, search, and question known members to the point where they regret their association with their gang. There are ways to do this ensuring the general, law-abiding public retains their basic human rights.
—–sadly this happens every day in bermy, even to “non-gang members”. And sadly the connections go deeper than blood, considerin um known most of these guys from birth and other guys in the neighborhood, and it’s not considered a gang, the media and everybody portray it out to be. it’s your “neighborhood” something to do, as there’s nothing for people to do anyways in bermy. it’s a group of people hanging out…it’s happening everywhere in the world. trouble may come and go but likewise, happens everywhere, it’s just becomin a problem cuz were so small and it affects everyone of us no matter if we ain’t related.
>>>>>>>ass legislation and laws that makes gang recruitment, initiation, membership, and association illegal. All known gang members and associates will then be placed on a stop list, confining them to the island. This will also allow any known gang member or associate to be stopped, searched, and detained at any time.
—-whats this legislation gonna say and who’s gonna enforce it? we’re sounding like POW’s here, on so many levels. We’re already confined to this island, thats enough as it is. Your last sentence, already happens daily.
—–It would bring about a serious change, if it ever were to happen. Your measures are drastic and ridiculous and would never even be comtemplated up government levels. Innocent people have been robbed (weekly), raped occasionally, most go unheard of, shot common occurrence now.
>>>>Raise the fitness/strength requirements as well as intensifying regular police fitness training.
—-good luck with that one. It’s as intense as its going to get.
>>>>Introduce the service to standard issue firearms. Also standard issue an AR-15 carbine rifle to every patrol car and include advanced firearms training as a requirement for driver training.
—-your ideas are just plain crazy. What if us “criminals” got a hold of some of those weapons? You sound like you’re living in a dream world inside the united states somewhere. You should move back to Texas so you can be closer to the boarder.
>>>>Until “Bermuda Police Service” is a name that strikes respectful fear into the hearts of every citizen of this island, there will be no change.
—funniest statement you’ve made this whole opinion piece. Let me know when that happens.
>>>>Otherwise have fun staying “up de road” “in d warzone” because this island will go to hell in a hand basket, and I assure you I will have relocated by then. I’d advise you to make the necessary plans to do so as well.
—-I will stay up de road where I’m from, and continuing to hold it down, remembering where I come from with pride. What’s making you stay if you wanna relocate so bad?? Why don’t you just leave now…You only complain, yes you’ve offered solutions, but we don’t and won’t live in a police state, sorry to say. I plan on holding firm and standing my ground in my HOME as long as I have breathe in me.
@bdashotta. Now thas what I call logic. People like you are the reason that I am proud to be Bermudian.
@ Only in Bermuda
You must be a cop defending the lames azzes. I agree wit Tim 100%. The police are full of Sh!t and a waste of tax payer money. After two incidents earlier that day went down involving firearms; why would they send two female officers to patrol the area without weapons? Makes no sense. The police could have at least chased after them and called for backup while doing so. I bet they don’t even have a license plate # as a lead in the case. U let something happen out on the block the police make sure they apprehend someone, but not in the 42nd area. They’ve never caught anyone for either shootings in that neighbor hood. Check their records all incidents in that area are unsolved SMH!
It’z Only Common Sense To Send Armed Officers To a SCENE where Gun Crime is High?? Yet alone , to a crime scene !! !! ooh ya I forgot… They only time The Do that is if They taking a Culprit to COURT !!! Wen he or she is In HandCuffs. Then They will be all up on em with their Guns… The Police Are Frauds.. !! we all know this..
I Don’t Wanna hear , comments like this : Ohh They were armed so the Police aren’t putting then lives in Jeapardy… That is a POOR EXCUSE!! Because as a POLICE OFFICER ! You have to Put Your Life on the LINE TO PROTECT YOUR PEOPLE !!.. Thats just the PRoFeSsion You Choose… & It’z reasons like this,, Why the ISLAND IS GETTING OUT OF HEAD !!!!! Not to Mention the Justice System, but thats a whole other Issue !
BLESS UP BERMUDA !! i’m OUT !!
ONE LOVE !
I second that TruthbTOld!! Only in a bermuda must be a cop….talking bout getting popcorn to watch Tim go do the job!…..Thats all thats missing now from the officers equipment…is a bowl of popcorn!! they sit around and watch this crap, they all might as well sit off with their popcorn with ONLY IN BERMUDA!! at least you have the right name….caz your absolutely right!!! THIS BS HAPPENS ONLY IN BERMUDA!!!!
You and I are on the same page.
You people make me smile, we are damned if we do and damned if we don’t. There is so much speculation going on, why not wait to get the facts of the matter before bashing those present and doing what they can. Police are useful and can help, but they are more useful when the public too gets involved and shares information.
Two female police officers on foot patrol in the area when shooting occured. Explain to me why these women should be running after a speeding motor cycle carrying gun weilding criminals? Further explain to me why are all the neighbours, hoodlums and gangs shouting at police and media? Something is wrong. Because it is not thier fault this mess is occurring in their hoods.
I have read your comments, frustrations, and sarcasm, and it bothers me more that we can judge a situation of which we had no part. I do believe that our foot patrol officers must and should be better equipped in this day and age; and I agree that training to carry guns must be carried out as a matter of urgency.
It is silly for us to write here making suggestions on a matter we are not involved in, and cannot begin to understand. Speaking from personal knowledge, while police have made an oath to protect and serve, they must also protect themselve first and foremost. Nothing on that road is worth leaving in a body bag. Families to be considered, and the innocent. And the female officers were right, why run after the bike and risk a bullet. Some officers may just do what you suggest, but at what cost to them and passers by.
These people yelling at police and media are wrong. When the area is quiet and they have no need to fear, they don’t even want police to drive through, let alone walk through. Trouble has hit their steps, and still they disrespect the service able to assist.
This rising violence amongst a few has burned a sour taste and breeding much fear across the entire Island. It sickens me that I must change routes and roads inorder to get to destinations frequently traveled, all because of a selfish few. It is not worth us getting into spats and saying harsh words, instead lets try to assist police and media, assist where we can, hoping that all of this nonsense should cease.
Regards,
Dumb f*ck.
Okay…I really need some help understanding what is going on in Bermuda? I live in the USA and it just doesn’t make sense to me. The Royal Gazette paper reads as follows:
“Others screamed: “You all work for Parkside,” in a reference to one of Bermuda’s warring gang factions. Parkside is locked in a deadly rivalry with another gang, 42, which is based on St. Monica’s Road.”
Okay so Everyone knows where these gangs are based. Right? Why don’t they do a clean sweep in these areas?? Am I the only one confused?
Aren’t policy officers suppose to PROTECT AND SERVE?? Meaning do all that they can to stop a crime from happening??
Also why doesn’t the premier or governor ask to meet these guys in private with no police & no cameras to discuss if there is anything they can do to help the sutuation???
Please help me to understand.
I saw two police officers sitting in a car. Where did you get ‘foot patrol’ from. We don’t need any ‘straw man’ arguments here.
The officers had a vehicle. The basis of your argument is flawed. You have no point, and have only confused everyone with misinformation.
*@ With Much Respect
I have just read through all of the comments so far, and I’m not surprised that the island is in the state that it is in. The negativity, cursing, and putting down of people only perpetuates the negativity and anger that is swallowing Bermudians up! Do you not realise that you are all on the same team? Aren’t you all commenting on these issues because you want your island to be safer, and free from this violent gang disease? So why don’t you have civil conversation with each other and come up with viable solutions, or at least show your support of those who are trying to stop this madness? If you are YELLING at each other, putting down the government, blaming the police, is there any hope of stopping these young men from fighting and killing each other? Have some respect for your fellow people, and seriously, stop making yourselves seem as ignorant as those who are perpetuating this hatred and violence. Educate each other and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. Thank you Bernews for your excellent journalism skills, and for reporting the real stories. And even though the comments get out of hand, it is a great forum for people to be “involved” in what’s happening. Keep up the good work!
I stay just up de road as well. What’s a Clean Sweep gonna do?? Absolutely nothing. First off who’s going to get rid of their “community” weapon/s in times like these, people need them, more so for protection than anything. Why would you turn it into the police for a measly sum of money when you could make twice that “renting” it out to your bredren for a couple hours or a day. smh. You lot are too funny. Oh no officers coming, hide everything, shift it over into another section of the island, plain an simple. Criminals will always be one step ahead of de man here no matter what. And why would I want to cooperate with de man when they treat me like s**t?!? Um had pure foreign cops harass me for nothing, and for what, so they could get paid their “christmas bonuses”. No wonder we are strugglin, the exact people we should be LOOKING UP TO to see where the EXAMPLES SUPPOSED TO BE SET, are the ones are who leading us down the WRONG PATH. As far as um concered, its all too little too late. Why should I help the man out if they don’t ever help me out?!!? Um jus sayin.
Ditto!
bdashotta…you sound like you know first hand about what’s going on???!!!! So all these guys are angry with the higher ups..police..etc and this is all payback or something?? Do all these guys not realize that they are killing their own while the higher ups laugh about it!!! You guys are all fellow BLACK Bermudians!!! The beef between the gangs can’t be that serious..can it??
Pure words of wisdom mate.
This island could be cleaned in two months if the right people wanted it to be.
Yeah right…how would you propose that would happened, or even be started?
I do know first hand what goes on…I stay up de road, or in d warzone as you would say. that might be a slight part of it…but in reality their angry at having backs turned on them…and everything that else thats happened. Thats the whole point of shootings ain’t it…to harm that person or individual and send a message, WE’RE ALL KILLING OUR OWN, not just blacks, whites, etc. What makes you think um black? It’s deathly serious…shouldn’t have started the way it did tho.
‘but in reality their angry at having backs turned on them…and everything that else thats happened.’
If people are illiterate and live in a lawless world of their own , refusing to conform to the norms of a supposedly civilized society then they better get used to having ‘backs turned on them’ because until they grow up and change nothing’s going to happen in their lives that’s posotive.
It’s a completely foreign concept to these guys that normal people get up every day to go to work to earn legitimate $’s to pay legitimate bills with honest money. And they need to stop comparing their lot in life to people who dedicated 20+ years of theirs to getting an education and making the right choices so they could earn the ‘finery’ that these ‘gangstas’ want instantly .
If I missed your point , sorry …
Easily, the island is 22 miles long and has a population of roughly 70,000 people (the size of most U.S. towns). The advantage in Bermuda is that it is an island, completely cut-off from any mainland by 700 miles of Atlantic Ocean. Having worked in the occupation for a number of years in the U.S., it is my opinion that the only way to combat gangs is to effectively take away their law-abiding rights. Simply put; if you want to be in a gang we will kick down your door regularly and forcefully. The idea is to make the life of a gangster a living hell. Constantly harass, search, and question known members to the point where they regret their association with their gang. There are ways to do this ensuring the general, law-abiding public retains their basic human rights.
Solution:
Pass legislation and laws that makes gang recruitment, initiation, membership, and association illegal. All known gang members and associates will then be placed on a stop list, confining them to the island. This will also allow any known gang member or associate to be stopped, searched, and detained at any time.
Analyze and completely rework the current police recruitment training to include extensive firearms and close range combative techniques. Raise the fitness/strength requirements as well as intensifying regular police fitness training. Introduce the service to standard issue firearms, and train all existing and new officers to a high calibre of efficiency and safety. Also standard issue an AR-15 carbine rifle to every patrol car and include advanced firearms training as a requirement for driver training.
Utilize the expertise and force of a large metro-gang unit, either from the U.S. or the U.K. Embed them within the service similarly to how U.S. Armed forces are imbedded into the Afghani Army.
Believe me this would bring around a serious change in a relatively short period of time. As I stated before, the right people (the public) have to want the change. Right now the shootings are mostly targeted with a gang related motive. Until innocent people are robbed, raped, and shot this will continue to escalate. Eventually many (though probably not all) of the tactics and ideas I have stated will, mostly likely, be put into place. Until “Bermuda Police Service” is a name that strikes respectful fear into the hearts of every citizen of this island, there will be no change. Otherwise have fun staying “up de road” “in d warzone” because this island will go to hell in a hand basket, and I assure you I will have relocated by then. I’d advise you to make the necessary plans to do so as well.
@ I get it too…who says these “people” are illiterate? They aren’t refusing…it’s just fighting for them to have a chance. How many of them have tried to get jobs but couldn’t, were refused, etc? Then what do you do? For some thats the only way they know how to survive, sad sure, but are there many things you can do, or anyone else for that matter, no. What do you propose? People make mistakes, its part of life. Maybe you’re the one thats conforming to the “norm”. Think outside of the box, as um sure you’ve never sat in their shoes.
I guess my post was a bit too succinct for you …
It isn’t law abiding folks who’ve gone ‘outside de box’ .. it’s these guys !
You ask how many of them tried to get jobs or were refused … again refer to my original post .. I bet very few of them have ever applied for a job anywhere…. They don’t have any intentions of ‘working’ in the context that us lot do who keep this island afloat .
@ Guess he has’t got it…No it wasn’t that succinct for me, I got every “point” you made. I have asked and a lot of them have tried. I’ve even tried and been turned down. All your opinions and statements are huge assumptions. Have you ever asked any of them. How often do you travel to these “areas”. I bet very infrequently, unless you live it daily, then you wouldn’t understand completely. Who says they don’t have intentions, you do? I bet if a construction manager or other job reference flashed in front of their noses dem guys would take it. EVERYBODY needs money…times are rough and rugged right now, the recession ain’t over just yet.
@ I get it too ….
[They don’t have any intentions of ‘working’ in the context that us lot do who keep this island afloat]
That is such an arogant statement. A lot of these guys do have jobs for one. Many of them have applied for jobs but we’ve been going through an unpresdented job crisis. I am a university graduate with three years of overseas work experience. It took me 3 months to get a job offer, my start date was three monthzzzzs after that. I have had HR staff tell me to my face, that the companies encourage them to hire black females over black males. Qualified or not, we are the least desirable employees.
You can’t hire yourself, and even if you want to be a sole trader, you still need clients. When the large contractors can’t get enough jobs to keep staff, the ‘individual’ is left out. People need to eat.
When I was in University there were Bermudians, mostly white, selling drugs out of their dorm rooms and apartments to help pay for tuition. Some of them had bought guns as well. These men (and women) will never be labelled criminals. Now I see them walking around town in suits; working as underwriters, auditors, and and so forth.
That is you own fault for letting it happen right in front of you.
@Logic76….and what would you use your Logic for and do then?