Dunkley on Crime & Government
[Written by Senator Michael Dunkley, Shadow National Security Minister]
The weekend’s double shooting is one more reminder that Bermuda’s crisis of violence continues unabated.
Yesterday, the Premier called on Bermuda to “get serious” about gun violence.
There is no question that gun violence is already a serious concern for Bermudians from all walks of life.
What they are looking for is leadership they can believe in; leadership that takes action to solve the crisis. But action-oriented leadership has been missing on this extremely serious threat to Bermuda’s way of life.
Here is an example of what I mean. Two years ago, in the midst of a by-election in Pembroke East Central, the Government told voters it would install CCTV cameras where gang violence had flared repeatedly over time.
This week, while visiting the area, I learned the cameras have not yet been installed. Why has this not happened? The community wants them, the area MP said he wanted them, yet nothing has happened.
Installing the cameras is easy to do. The CCTV system is already in place, so what is the problem?
The failure to act on such a nuts-and-bolts anti-crime measure affects community confidence and morale. It fosters cynicism, which makes it mobilize support for community-based solutions. .
I’m not sure the Government understands this, but if they took the time to listen to people in the community they might understand and take action.
The powers that be need to understand the psychological toll of unchecked crime. People feel they are under siege.
The Government needs to demonstrate that they ‘get it’. They need to do whatever they can to give people better security and a better sense of security. It takes understanding, commitment and action. So let’s do it. We will support any action that achieves these things.
This is old news – - Senator Dunkley’s statement has received a reply from the Governor and the government which simply puts “his comments” in context – an attempt to score political points. It is not a concern of “leadership” – - Senator Dunkley – please for the sake of your party and your political future – stop these wasteful, tired attempts to throw the government “under the bus” – - we, the younger voting public – would rather hear about what you and your party intend to do if returned to the government – thanks.
Areed! This is a political attack, with no real suggestions of how he or his party could manage the situation better. This is the broken record of the current opposition in Bermuda. It is true that party politics on this island are more of a hinderance than good. If all politicians actually considered what the people need and want rather than their own political party and supporters, we would be in a much better place right now.
I believe he was clear on WHAT to do. PUT UP THE CAMERAS!!! Could he be any clearer? What is it that you don’t understand about his suggestions? Let me be clear, I am no UBP supporter, but I can’t understand why the people of Bermuda don’t understand what put the damn cameras up means!!! Could you please explain what you don’t understand
@Sara – - I never stated that I did not understand what he suggested – - my post was about the underlined political slant which was his entire statement – - “What they are looking for is leadership they can believe in; leadership that takes action to solve the crisis. But action-oriented leadership has been missing on this extremely serious threat to Bermuda’s way of life.” – - – further to that statement, he indicates “It fosters cynicism, which makes it mobilize support for community-based solutions. I’m not sure the Government understands this, but if they took the time to listen to people in the community they might understand and take action.”
Putting the cameras up is not going to solve the issue of gun violence in that area – - please take a read of this article (RG) with the Governor’s reply to Senator Dunkley – - http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7dac13730030002§ionId=60
That’s where I am coming from – - my post is not an attack on the UBP – it is a call for our elected officials to stop party politics and start working for the betterment of my island home – - and I do not believe that his statement did that – plain and simple.
Dude please get into politics and make a differnece I do not like the PLP collective stance on race but I would vote for those who make an effort to cross the fence so to speak I did. Besides all this bickering and name calling just holds us all back as a community its about time the crap ends with not terms attached.
LOL
People, people, people, please WAKE UP. Party politics WILL ALWAYS BE HERE. That is politics, IT NEVER changes. Especially if you keep electing the same party over and over again. Why do you think in America they bounce back and fourth between dews and republicans all the time. Do you EVER see Americans sticking with the same party for fifteen years NO!! They switch back and forth, hoping to get a little accountability now and then. I am not saying America if perfect, VERY far from that, but at least they TRY to teach lessons by voting for another party. I am not trying to make people vote for a specific party, just merely pointing out WHY things will not change in Bermuda.
In my opinion, this is a timely piece that states the blindingly obvious. The idea of installing CCTV cameras has been flying around for years, it’s not terribly complicated, and I think most taxpayers would be absolutely fine with their tax dollars being spent on that project. Why is it not done, and when will it be? Even if the government feels they can’t spend the money/resources to monitor the cameras 24/7, they would at least be able to refer to them after an incident has occured and hopefully identify an individual, a vehicle, anything.
Google Earth needs to send their road truck camera to Bermuda….Damn, Google Earth’s camera help arrest and convict drug dealers in New York….Mr. Dunkley I get what your saying but it does sound a lil political….UBP still doesn’t get my vote.
Maybe the Camera’s are on back order from China.
Maybe the hesitance to install cameras in these areas stems from information / footage gathered during ‘Operation Cleansweep’ many years back , where some ,cough cough , prominent politicos were observed involved in secret and alternative lifestyles..
Information that , by the way , was well covered up . Cant risk being burned again , huh ?
Who put Bermuda on the map economically with such success around the world?UBP
WHy is it that black ppl can see this and acknowlege it.THis is total arrogance and ignorance not to accept a party for its success to YOU and your family because they are white.What differece does it make what colour of the party as long as they put your ilsand in the GREEN and NOT THE RED in $$$.WHO CARES..How can you say u are a true Bermudian and allow a inept govt ruin your island and keep them there bases on their blackness.This is downright absurb,dumb,and dumber.Pleas think again.