Police Identify Victim: 22-Yr-Old Jason Smith
[Summary: Marking the 5th murder of 2011, 22-year-old Jason Smith of Warwick Parish was fatally shot this morning on Overview Hill in Pembroke, with the Police saying initial inquiries suggest that he may have been targeted in a case of mistaken identity. Police said they are interested in speaking with anyone that may have seen a black male about 5’4″ tall of stocky build wearing a black hooded top in the area of Overview Hill.]
A short while ago this morning [May 1] there was a shooting in the North Shore, Pembroke area, and it appears that one person has been shot. The Police presently have the North Shore area blocked off from the Blackwatch Pass area.
We unofficially understand this to be a very serious situation, and will update as able.
Update 5:21am: Numerous Police officers are on scene, we continue to understand the situation to be extremely serious.
Update 5:39am: There is a police presence outside the hospital. We continue to understand this is an extremely dire situation.
Update 5:50am: Police have confirmed the shooting victim has died, and is 22 years old.
Update 6:02am: The area of the shooting appears to be Overview Hill, which travels from North Shore over to Mount Hill. Police presently have access to the exact scene blocked off.
Update 6:07am: Area residents tell us they heard what sounded like three gunshots.
Update 6:19am: The Police forensic unit is on scene, and an officer with a metal detector is searching the area. Residents are slowly starting to come out of their houses.
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Update 6:22am: North Shore has been opened to single lane traffic.
Update 6:56am: Police confirm they received the report just before 4am. A retired officer, who was very senior, appeared on the scene.
Update 7:40am: Assistant Commissioner of Police David Mirfield said “Initial inquiries suggest that the victim may not have been the intended target.” The full statement from Mr Mirfield is below:
Around 3:50am Sunday, May 1st 2011 Police and first responders attended a report of a confirmed firearm incident in the North Shore Road, Overview Hill Pembroke area.
On arrival it was ascertained that a 22 year old man was shot. He was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance where he died as a result of his injuries.
Officers from the Forensic Support Unit and the Serious Crime Unit are currently processing the scene. Detectives are also working closely with the victim’s family.
Initial inquiries suggest that the victim may not have been the intended target.
The Bermuda Police Service has launched an investigation into this deplorable act and we are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area to contact police on 295-0011 or the independent confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477.
No further information will be released until the next of kin has been notified. The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
This is the fifth fatal shooting this year and clearly a situation that the police are taking extremely seriously as we continue our investigations into this incident as well as the other murders.
Update 7:44am: This is the third firearm incident in the Overview Hill area in the past 13 months, with one residence being shot at twice [1] [2] in 2010.
Update 7:57am: Video statement below from Assistant Commissioner Mirfield who said that the victim had at least two gunshot wounds, and “one hypothesis at the moment is that this is a case of mistaken identity.”
Update 12:15pm: Unofficial reports coming in also indicate that this young man appears to have been targeted in error.
Update 6:20pm: The Police have not officially released the victim’s name as of yet. National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief released a statement calling the murder “tragic and senseless.” The Minister had been due to travel with the Governor today to visit the Bermuda Regiment during their overseas training trip but has postponed the visit.
Minister Perinchief said, “I met with the senior command of the Bermuda Police Service today and have been fully briefed by the Commissioner and his team. The Police are working extremely hard in investigating this serious crime and the Government continues to support their efforts. There is another family in mourning today and our Island has been robbed of the potential of a young man in his prime. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Update 7:34pm: The Police have not officially released the victim’s identity as of yet, however Shadow Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley said, “For two years young men have been murdered at will across our community. This weekend’s shooting death of a 22-year-old exemplifies the insanity that is eating at the heart and soul of our island.I believe everyone understands the seriousness of the challenge before us.”
“We feel it in our homes and in our neighbourhoods, in our hopes for our children and the country itself. But there is a disconnection between the anxieties and concerns widely felt and the urgent, direct action required to check the violence and roll back the circumstances that give rise to it.”
“Gang violence poses an immediate and long-term threat to Bermuda’s way of life. Its eradication must be a national priority – the focus of a government-led effort that, if undertaken, can at least start us on a path that takes us away from where we are, which is to continue burying young men who are victims not just of the violence but of the alienating pressures in our society.”
“Government is the only entity capable of bringing together all the forces necessary to turn the tide of gang violence. Unfortunately today, we do not believe the Government has any sense of how to go about this critically important task. We need a Government that acts with a sense of urgency.”
“My colleagues and I extend our condolences to the family, friends and neighbours of the victim. Clearly, there are no untouchables in this wave of shootings and murders. We are all in this together,” concluded Senator Dunkley.
Update 9:45pm: The Police have just identified the murder victim as 22-year-old Jason Smith of Warwick Parish, and said they are interested in speaking with anyone that may have seen a black male about 5’4″ tall of stocky build wearing a black hooded top particularly in the area of Overview Hill.
Detective Superintendent Antoine Daniels’ full statement is below:
At 3:50am on Sunday morning, Police officers responded to a report of a man having been shot and injured near a residence on Overview Hill in Pembroke Parish.
Police responded immediately to this firearms report and on arrival at the scene discovered 22 year old Jason Smith of Warwick Parish who had sustained a number of what appeared to be gunshot wounds to his body. First aid was administered and he was conveyed to hospital by ambulance where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Members of the Bermuda Police Service express sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Jason Smith who tragically lost his life at the young age of 22.
Police officers from the Bermuda Police Service Serious Crime Unit under the direction of Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro immediately commenced investigations into this murder pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.
The scene has been forensically examined by officers from the Bermuda Police Service Forensic Support Unit. A forensic pathologist is currently on island and will conduct an examination of the deceased’s body.
Police are interested in speaking with anyone that may have seen a black male about 5’4″ tall of stocky build wearing a black hooded top particularly in the area of Overview Hill, Pembroke and surrounding neighborhood, or anyone that knows anything related to this crime to contact detectives at the Serious Crime Unit on 295-0011, or the confidential Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS).
This is the fifth murder of 2011, following the murder of David Clarke on April 17th on North Shore, murder of Randy Robinson on March 31st on Border Lane, the murder of Jahmiko Leshore on March 1st in Devonshire, and the murder of Colford Ferguson on February 4th in Sandys. So far this year, Bermuda is averaging approximately one murder every 24 days.
Bernews extends our condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
Isn’t it so sad how predictable law enforcement has become. One week ago, out in FULL FORCE doing an excellent job and the pattern remains the same, the following week there is gun violence. I made mention of this very fact to Senator Smith last week, that there is no sustainability in their enforcement in that the bad guys know when to keep low and wait them out before they strike again. But I suppose they’ll import an expert to advise them of that simplistic fact, and pay extreme sums of money to be advised of something so simple to resolve. But who am I.
No chief, what will happen is that they’ll panic again change the shift patterns for about a week and let it relax again the next. I am seriously of the opinion that there is no direction in dealing with this or wanting it to end……leading by example…….from a book
The bottom line is we need more cops so that they can increase their workload across the board. Yet some how the Government decided it was a good idea to cut the police budget! really…. why not just give these idiots a free pass to do as they like. Im so fed up I’d like to govern my own independent nation of one!
I’d join you there too!
niether of you could handle the pressure
Larry this beautiful Bermuda as we once know it is no more. God is no longer an important part of our homes/lives. Everyone is too interested in fame and fortunate. What a sad sad day for this Paradise (no more). Another mother cries. The laws of this country is way too lenient, they prosecute for having marijuana resin (Iam in no way condoning the use of drugs) but it seems you get a stiffer sentence if you look high than if you are a suspect or known to police for the new gang life that is quickly becoming the norm of this land. I know that drugs is definitely the reason why these wannabe gangsters have the country in the turmoil that it is currently in but we need to reconsider the jail sentence for thes idiots and people need to start turning in their family members when we know what they are doing!!!!! stop protecting them even if they are our sons, nephews, uncles etc etc. Then and only then there will be change. BTW Larry perhaps you should consider coming out of retirement and return to the police they need all the help they can get, I’m being serious . Denyse
We need you on board. So if the executive in charge of the police is the Governor why is he still here. we need someone at the top with experience. Stand up and demand a new CEo who can come in and work with you.
This is so sad, so ridiculous. Where and when does this stop? Now the innocent are being targeted… mistaken identity? Ask yourself, will I be next? At the rate this is going, no one knows who will be next. Don’t blame God, He is not putting the gun in the criminals hands, this is their choice to resolve issues with gun violence.
I never thought I would see the day when we would have so many unsolved murders. Bermuda is going up and there seems to be no resolve.
Correcting my statement…
Bermuda is not going up! It is exploding and blowing up.
Times have changed since the days of Larry Smith being on the Police Force, and as an ex-police officer with more years of experience than Larry, I would not want to serve in the Force (or Service) these days because of all the numerous problems they face every day of the week. There was a time when the Police could lock someone up with little or no evidence and keep them in custody for days and intimidate them to extract a confession. Larry knows of what I write! Those days are long gone. Now the criminals know they can demand their lawyers (or a QC if they go to trial), they can intimidate potential witnesses, they are protected by family members, and many of them suffer from having had a terrible upbringing because of poor parenting so they have no empathy with their victims or with anybody else. Their gang activities are fueled by the illegal drug trade and our illogical war on drugs that has been failing for years, including the time when Larry Smith was in charge of Narcotics. Yes, the bad guys lay low until they strike again, and they are smart enough not to carry their guns 24/7 so even if the Police arrest and interrogate them, they will have to be released unless the Police can find sufficient evidence to keep them in custody and take them to trial. Even then they have a good chance of being acquitted although the Police have recently had great success in securing convictions. What we need is for the public to realize that we ALL have to pull together and help to solve this scourge on Bermuda. We also need to take a serious look at our drug laws, as suggested by Ashfield DeVent, to see if we can take obscene profits out of the illegal drug trade and move towards treatment rather than incarceration. We have as much chance of winning the war on drugs as the U.S. does of winning the war in Afghanistan! It’s time to stop blaming the Police and start doing everything we can to support them in the fight against these senseless crimes.
YOU KNOW !
@Larry: after they have 200 police on the streets looking for crime how do they know were it will happen or when?????? can the police be everywhere all the time??
no they can’t!! the blame is at our door step, these are our family members that are doing this. i’m on cop lover but lets stop blaming the police and gov. they did raise these kids by themselves.
Mr. Smith I totally agree with you my family and friends had that conversation quoting the same words. But who the hell are we to speak of the future…
It’s about time the Governor brought in some people to deal with these thugs.
Don’t hold your breath… I do not belieive the politicians have an answer.. This is not a law enforcement problem. Very sad.
Our politicians silence on crime is deafening!! They are more concerned/vocal with the seating arrangements in a church service than galvanizing the communities in an effort to combat this problem.
Extremely well put. A government official who thinks he/she is so damn important to sit up front in a church service and yet want to sit in the back row to resolve problems. We can all see this travesty.
GANG warfare is BDA’s terrorism!!!All dat happens is THA COPS target regular hard workin ppl an change all these laws that effect hardworkin ppl.DiD any1 notice Your New Police station is OPeN that’s y we had a SO called Crackdown at Easter so they can test things out SMH..AS we can c no1 of POwer or Policy wants this go away.ALL Goverment is worryn about is Royal Weddings and a Blodclod Election!!!ALL u Goverment Workers BEWare they Gonna LaY u OFF after U Vote in. Next Election.Please Wake up BDA let’s b Real
All by Design!!!We not even started fightn ova Necessities YeT.Food High and gonna get Higher Pass a F’n law about that ish.Ms Cox while yah at it TELL me and any other Yute in BDA how does BaD BeHavior go Rewarded?U the Premier NOW but u always in FiNace Weres all that $$$$$$$$ that is not accounted For?Oh yah a clog on a wheel…..But ya Ass becomes Head of State Mercy lord Help us all.P.S. All u thieves lurgin around day n nite u betta KNO who u RoBBin!!!!No1 has BusS a heavy Machine YeT
Can you please not write like an absolute retard?
@._./ you don’t even have a name and ya talking but don’t write like a retard. Just be quiet and catch the point of what kickback is saying!!!
Yeah that is the problem! If you listen to what yuteman is saying instead of decrying his diction you may come to understand that he represents the very individual and mindset that are coming up and becoming shottas!
LOLLLLLLLLLLL !
ya straight up
Some Bermudians seem to think that all we need to do is import expensive “experts” to solve this problem. We started with one from New Jersey and now have progressed(?) to one from the UK whose forte seems to be photo ops. Unfortunately, the murder rate is rising!
It is sickening to hear the popular “the police know who these people are” diatribe, do they? Do you?
Most Bermudians are reluctant to provide information to the police indirectly or directly, for a number of reasons. But unless WE do, these murders will continue!
Totally agree W.T.F. been said that.It is obvious that the (crew) here can NOT help. Paula Cox plz call President Obama for some help!!!His intelligence team WORKS!!!Osama good bye u devil! U could run but you could NOT hide!
This is crazy, 5 murders in 5 months. This is not the Bermuda that I grew up in. I was afforded the oppertunity to be believe that Bermuda was safe, that guns didn’t exsist here. The children of today will not have that. Families are being forever shatter. When will as a society say enough is enough and take back our street for the next generation. I grieve with this new family that is waking to find out that their son, brother and friend is gone.
What about shootings that have taken place within a few days of each other while police presence was still high? Also shootings that have hapened near police presence too? These guys are living by their own agenda and don’t care about life. Also where tis happened is not even considered a hotspot. I know we can agree that something has to be done. But like I said these guys are living out their own agendas and acting like they are living without fear. SCARY!
Sorry, dear Rosa. How can you say this is not a hot spot? How many times has the police had to be on top of the hill of that same lane? Check the records!! No matter how many police you have on duty if you have no resect for human life you are going to kill anyway.
GOD PLEEEASSE HELP US ALLLL!!!!THERE IS NOTHING WE COULD DO NOW BUT WAIT FOR ANOTHER ONE.:-( WHAT IS HAPPENING 2 BERMUDA.AT THE RATE THINGS ARE GOING THE BAD GUYS ARE GONNA BE RUNNING GOVERNMENT SOON. ONLY A HOLY INTERVENTION COULD WORK NOW.
TIME TO PACK IT UP AND MOOOVVVEE!
“AT THE RATE THINGS ARE GOING THE BAD GUYS ARE GONNA BE RUNNING GOVERNMENT SOON”
LOL. Soon?
Seriously..you can see humor in this
“bad guys”, as in “persons rehabilitated during incarceration”? smh to judicial and political elite
I don’t think that your God is going to help us… Ever. A Holy Intervention will not work and neither will praying. Its about time people get their head out of the clouds and use tactical solutions to solve these problem.
Shame on you. He is a God to all people. And He has great great powers that part the sea, cause mass flooding, and return from the dead. WE have lost sight of HIM as a community. You are right in that we do have to get our heads out of the cloud and put them in the word, read it, study it. learn it, praise him, live this life as he intended. Above all, we have to pray. Pray.
Praying gives the illusion of doing something, without actually doing something.
Yep.
Says the ppl who RREEAALLYY DON’T know the power of pray! If u take pray of the table you would really see a different Bermuda.
Rite On Faithful!
I don’t know who authored it…..but “two hand busy at work can accomplish more than a thousand hands clasp in prayer”
Right on uncle Nick .the Govenor needs to take control NOW…
The Police Service has not changed since you’ve left the service Larry Smith. As a matter of fact drugs were more available on your watch then they are now. The tactics have changed now, so I don’t think anyone can afford to be screwing around on the job…
Do you expect the police to watch all 65,000+ people at one time. If you look at the polices catch rate their doing a hell of a lot better compared to back in your day…
“Do you expect the police to watch all 65,000+ people at one time.”
No – just a select 12,440.
That’s one officer for every 26 people which, I imagine, is less than the teacher:pupil ratio at most schools.
That would assume all 26 of those people and that one officer remain in the same place…all day and night.
Furthermore, not everyone in that group of 26 is going to be in a gang. The police should focus their efforts SOLELY on the problem areas. They should impose curfew in gang territories, with RIDICULOUS fines/penalties like turning off their phones/ disabling internet access/confiscating transport.
It’s not as though keeping your mouth shut isn’t a hard way to live. So make life difficult for them and those that protect them through omission.
What they need to do is bring some people from overseas to wipe these guys out. This is crazy these guys are just shooting at will and feel no way about it.
We don’t need overseas people. These thugs are our brothers, cousins, husbands and babydadies. Hello Bermuda its time to wake up and take responsibility for what’s going on under some of our roofs. No person from overseas can do that for you.
Time for some spring cleaning!!!
Some of us are in serious denial. Please understand I mean no disrespect to anyone when I say this, but how is it that MOST of the victims are portrayed as innocent choir boys, got on well with everyone, had no gang connections etc. WE ARE ONLY KIDDING OURSELVES WITH THIS SELF SERVING NONSENSE!
I dis-agree to a point.. Back in the day you could have a minor disagreement with anyone and work it out. Today, you have that same dis-agreement, they are out to KILL YOU! The conscience of some of our youth has diminished to zero. Lord forbid you favor someone who is in a gang, your doomed!
This kid had no gang afflilation at all. He was an inocent person in the wrong place at the wrong time. Rockfish you do not know the whole story and what you have said is completely disrespectfull to the departed. I knew him personaly and i am very offened by your coment.
MEC all day–I suggest you read the post again, hopefully you will then understand the difference between a general statement and one that refers to a specific person. There is NOTHING is my post that suggests he had a gang connection!! Calm down.
Those persons are probably here right now. Look at all the unsolved murders. They probably hit and leave. And what about this mystery list of the guys who are on the hit list. You check it out they know were you live , where your girl lives and where you work/
Move? I’m sure that’s the desparate wish of those living in villages where soldiers come through raping and stealing children. People living in poverty and serious fear. Women who are beaten and tortured because they are women. Children who can’t play outside. I know it is a scary situation but it is intensified because of our size. For those who move, I hope where you move to doesn’t become a place where you want to move FrOM! In comparison to a lot of other places and situations… It is changing this Island though. Terrible!
Exactly, Bermuda is 21 square miles, fewer places to run. The world is a massive place, with plenty beautiful safer places where the violence is more diluted. I choose life. When/if things change then comeback. (Seems like a good plan 2 me.)
This is to Rosa: The comment you made on the moving out of bermuda is just so small minded thinking on your behalf because thats whats really wrong with the majority of bermudians on that little rock. You are completly oblivious to the fact that BERMUDA is slowly going under like a sinking ship and you just cannot see the devastation until it hits your doorstep………and just for the mere fact that bda is a very small community it wouldnt be comparison to any other place in the world when it comes to gun violence on a small or large scale…….So to whoever can get out of there GET OUT!!!!!!! Especially if you have KIDS do it for them……give them a better life an scenery because it is certainly more to LIFE and better opportunities for them……In closing i would like to say ” JUST LIVE YOUR LIFE”
That’s your advice?!?! MOVE OUT? You are small minded and un-patriotic. Stand up for our country and reclaim it for your kids. Abandoning ship is a coward’s mindset.
A coward that would live to tell the tales of the ones who fought back.
A police unit’s work is to investigate crimes. In order to help -prevent- shootings, there would have to be an officer posted on every street corner of the island. You might see this situation when the national guard is called in a country at war.
Crime prevention, Neighborhood watch & awareness, normally, is a role the community takes on. So what are WE doing about it? Posting our opinions, rants, wails on news pages is not exactly doing our part…
Where’s Ashfeild????? This is all happening is his Hood!!! Lazy, LAZY, LAZY, Thats where all your politicians are, Alaska Hall pushing out their chests acting large or Port ‘O’ Call….believe me, l see.
This is because the STtupid government has acted like thugs….They are all Thugs..look at Burch with his antics, Burgess with his arrogants and Butterfeild with her megalomaniac comments.
I could go down the entire list, but you all know the score.
this is not ashfield’s constituency…it’s wayne perinchief’s, out new minister of national security…
Minister Butterfield is too busy chasing Premier Coxs’ job then to worry about some lil’ fella getting killed in her constituancy …so Please Lets Pray ,long for PLP , that She never assumes that position .
@ Liars, You have said it all. Crap rolls downhill. The PLP is leading by definitely example…does the word ‘integrity’ mean anything to anyone!? instead, they lead by the 7 deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath and pride.
this is so sad to wake up to this another young life snuffed out….. how can guys really sit here and blame the police…..the cops cant be everywhere they cant predict which thug is gonna kill the next and when……if we would took the time to RAISE OUR CHILDREN RIGHT WE WOULD NOT BE EVEN HAVING THIS CONVERSATION this morning…..so folks the blame lies with us the people of bermuda.
Twisted I comepletely agree!!!! The government and the police are not the only ones at fault. Everyone on here’s saying that the government needs to lead by example but what about mothers and fathers leading by example first??? So we need to look within our own homes before we start blaming everyone else.
Was the killer wearing a tinted visor on his helmet I wonder?
Can anyone of u predict when the next shooting will be? How can the police? It will take the whole community to help bring this to a end. It’s been years that all of us have kept a blind eye & deaf ears to this nonsense now it’s time for us to part of the solution, not pulling everyone down. The police & government are human. Are you?
In aggreement, let’s get it started!
Five murders might seem like a lot but Newark had about thirty murders this year. Your cops are lame, never were once near enough to an incident to even chase any suspects. They’re afraid to keep a presence in the hot spots. They don’t do foot patrols to get to know the communities. They’re rude. They eat donuts. God and Jesus ain’t helping anybody either. They didn’t stop the oil spill, earthquakes or tornadoes so what attention are they going to give Bermuda for five murders? For you real religious wackos just wait until May 21st! It’ll all be over in your minds then. Please empty your bank accounts into mine on May 20th.
R.I.P to the deceased. Bring back hanging! Bermuda went soft and now your lost!
ooooo please!! U R the Wacko for believing anything gonna happen on the 21st.LOL (Just Another Day)
@Bermy Girl….you totally missed the point, and that’s Wacky!
Darrin Dizzle made major points…
Our Police force is lost….stop and searches are effin useless…only good for arresting people for warrants.
Just some things that indicate to me that Our Police Commissioner in not serious on crime…
No Cameras in police cars
No Laptop Computers in Police Cars
No Foot Patrols in trouble neighborhoods
30 Cops at Stop Signs, checking for Seat Belts
Drug Addict Police Officers
Not trying to bash the police but if America can sniff out neighborhood terrorist, why our BPS can’t sniff out and stake out Bermy Grown terrorist.
R.I.P. to the victim….my condolences goes out to his family.
FYI to those that say people should speak up….in the gang culture, gunman do not go home and boast about just shooting someone.
We need a lot more undercover cops….damn, all these unemployed Bermudians can be trained and put to work!!!
I should be BPS Commissioner!!
The PoPo aint worrying about getting equipment to make it better and more efficient. All they worry about is excuses why they should be paid more, keeping up to date with the latest cars and bikes. The average cop these days are not fit to chase anyone. They start their careers small and nifty with the speed of 1000 gazelles. Then they swell up like a whale. They have all the powers in the world and they still cant accomplish anything. We always refer to other countries way of dealing with things. When are we going to take charge? If the police cannot do it, i know the community surely can. We need to stop worrying about what everyone else is gonna think cause you or i done the right thing.
Don’t forget the 6 officers, with a paddywagon, I saw just in the vacinity of the Dockyard ferry yesterday (Monday). We must have them there to make sure too many tourist aren’t getting on the bus or ferry I guess.
@ Bermy gurl I was just playing. I was saying the religious wackos think it will be over on the 21st! I know better than that.
Reading is fundamental!
For you real religious wackos just wait until May 21st! It’ll all be over in your minds then.
Read it again!
@ Darrin DizZLE its very retarded to compare Bermuda with Newark. Five murders is a lot when you live on an island thats 21 square feet miles long. Yes you make some points but that comment was very stupid.
Exactly, that is all um trying to get at. It is not a matter of missing the point. Pointing out “religious wackos”, the hundreds killed in Newark, and some conspiracy that gonna happen on May21st is missing the point Mr.GPS!
You say that Bermuda is 21 square feet miles long and accuse someone else of saying something very stupid? Try saying “Bermuda has a land area of 21 square miles” and then you’ll sound like you know a thing or two about your country.
@ YES MATE! your point? U know what I mean, you seem like the type of person that looks for ppls mistakes. My point to him was that you can not compare Bermuda to Newark. Bermuda is “21 square miles” (is that better for you) 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 is A LOT of murders in Bermuda. So try to stay on the topic and it is a very serious topic ok YES MATE!
20.6 sq mi, actually.
devils isle bermuda.no matter where u go its gonna b murders its the signs of the ties..so easy b4 u get shot
you older bermudians kill me with this young generation crap..we learned everything from you!!!
Or worse, nothing.
bob barker you sound stupid! You call being 40 old? cause if you look at the people being prosecuted their in the 20′s and teens which would put the parents no more then 45 and under. The older folks can’t seem to tell the younger people anything without them having a hissy fit… And it’s always been that way, you can’t tell the youth anything they don’t know already and they don’t know nothing for them to stand on their own two feet. And parents need to wise up about what their children are doing, cause most of these serial killers are living at home with them.
Where have all the young men gone ..Long time passing…Where have all the young men gone .. Long time ago .. Gone to the graveyard everyone ..When will they ever learn .. when will they ever learn .
An old war song ,cause I say it every time ..WE ARE AT WAR ..In the midst of us there is a guerilla war going on .
Time to adapt guerilla style tactics to arrest this very vicious cancer .
makes some sense !
An alternative angle is to deal with the problem at the source. These shooters, these criminals all have mothers and other relatives who failed to ‘bend the tree when it was young’. They shield them when the police are looking for them. They curse teachers who call them to partner with them when the behaviour problems start. They do not sit with their children at the dining table and talk about values and attitudes. They allow their children to be out late at nights without supervision. They don’t know where their children are! Some parents and their children are in the gangs together! So everyone has a part to play – not just the police.
Thank you teacher! Everyone blames the police but the parents need to take responsibility too. The amount of young men I see walking around with gang colors on…tattoos of gang names at young ages….throwing up gang signs in facebook photos (sometimes with their parents in the same picture doing it too) if my sons even dare….actually they wouldn’t because they fear the consequences. I have seen students disrespect teachers only to have the parent take the Childs side. Yet we sit here and blame police. Years ago people did more with less but today we allow our children to be so materialistic that they care more about appearances then their fellow man. Parents out there know that their sons are involved in illegal activity yet leave it to the police to figure it out. Why not help the police by speaking out instead of blaming them for their issues. And no the budget cuts have not helped regardless of being told the contrary. Bermuda this is our problem own it and do what you can to help shift the attitudes of the younger generation
This is entirely the parents fault.
Finally someone who is thinking logically!!!!
and some parents are afraid of their children…
Something needs to be done and done NOW!!!! So much to say but completely at a loss for words. I feel guilty that with the prior shootings I did’t say much and I sincerely apologise to those family and friends of the victims. But now that it hits so close to home I want to get out there and help to stop this. This young man I KNOW for a fact had no ties with gangs, had a positive upbringing, well educated, loads of positive friends, and just a great fun loving guy. Motives have changed for these shootings and WE the people must take action!
RIP JS – the tears won’t stop falling
Feeling your pain Devestated.
To Darrin DizZLE:
Newark are also crazy worried about their homicide rate which so far this year has jumped 70% to 29 per 277,000. When scaled down to the 65,000 people of Bermuda that would be an expected 6.8 murders so far this year. So our figures are happily better, but not that much better!
It seams as if our authority’s are just sitting and waiting for the next shooting. We seem to live in a reactive society not a proactive society..The obviously do not have a handle on it..
To bob barker: You can lead an horse to the water but you cant make it drink!!!! that is to your comment about “we learned everything from you” And yes you made a vaild point when you say “no matter where you go its going to be murders and its the signs of the ties comments” all that remains true but AGAIN the more chances of you living a longer prosperous life anywhere else in this BIG wide WORLD is GREATER……Life has much more to offer while it lasts……Give it a try!!!!!!
To the family of the victim, we are praying for you. And to those who think that prayer won’t work, what else do we have? You say that the police aren’t doing it, so Bermuda P.U.S.H – Pray until something happens.
And I agree, to those parents who are shielding these murderers, you know who they are, you know your children turn them in…. how many more mothers and fathers will have to bury their children…
The HELL young black males live in is called BERMUDA.
And young white males?
True. The HELL young males live in is called BERMUDA.
But it’s young black males that are being murdered.
young white males are not being shot, again it all starts in the home. this gang mindset is killing this island.
It is up to Bermudians to stop this. If they stopped buying the crap these guys are selling there would be nothing for them to fight over. There is probably also a lot of people who know who is doing this and don’t say anything. Call crime stoppers if you don’t want to talk to the police here. Until people start standing up to these thugs it is only going to get worse.
I completely agree with you, 100 per cent.
hear, hear!
if only they wer fighting over drugs…too bad they are NOT!! they dnt even know why they are killing each other!
This whole mistaken identity thing is just horrible. Perhaps he was wearing a tinted visor and couldn’t see who he was shooting at.
Bernews I sincerely wish you would NOT allow people to comment on current issues that have not been fully investigated or have to go before the courts at some point. This sways peoples opinion and creates unfair playing fields for defendants. I have read stories of this nature on various online news publications around the world and there is usually a disclaimer explaining the nature of the case does not allow for comments. Bernews I sincerely hope you reconsider not letting people comment on these articles. Families have to read some of these comments. From someone who has someone to gun violence these comments are not nice to read.
We are very sorry for your loss….
Perhaps you are reading specialized publications, as the majority of online news outlets worldwide do not ban comments about crime. We are in full contact with the Police, and should they have an issue with our comment section we would co-operate fully, however they have not expressed that.
We do moderate them and block hundreds of comments, it would be very eye opening for people to see many of the ones we don’t let through, which can be considerably harsh many times. We do apologize, however its a catch 22, as we get as many complaints about censoring comments as we do about allowing them.
This is well and good, however just because you can allow people to comment that does not mean you should. The only information in my opinion the general public need to be aware of is the information given by the police. Others OPINIONS are not relevant (after all the are just that an OPINION), however do impact public perception. If people are this enranged about what is happening to this island maybe a public forum or other means can be used to express their discontent. This a publication that can be read worldwide and I have received calls from persons overseas highlighting the inappropriate comments as well as highlighting the bickering that so many engage in on this comments page. They often wonder how many in Bermuda act in such a child like manner. Frankly, so many have comments on how this and that do not work and what may work, but many have never been through the heartache and pain the family goes through, especially in my case as my child (who is a minor and can read) sees these things. I have to not allow him to read this website because of some of the comments being posted.
It may be a catch 22, but it still shows me that media outlets lack some moral compass as they would prefer hits on a page or purchase of a news paper than the feelings of a family.
We understand your perspective, however are also getting complaints this morning from someone whose comments we barred.
The comments reflect the community’s varied opinions, some like that, some don’t, and there is no way everyone will ever agree on every topic. Everyone has such different tastes, and we have thousands of readers a day, so despite our best efforts we cannot please each single one.
We are working on an upgrade now to the comment system, and long term would like the ability for people to choose to turn them off, so those that don’t want to read them can choose to switch them off. Try to at least make some strides to improve the middle ground…
SMH – don’t blame or blast the messengers. The families can choose not to read the blogs and their friends and families can choose not to share what is printed. We truly appreciate the professionalism BERNEWs as a news entity is providing especially their unbiased opinions
Your feelings are understandable.
With all due respect, children will learn of these crimes no matter what. We cannot isolate them from the real world. Surely you are the best person to explain the facts of life to your son, rather than some else!
typo—someone else!
@ Rockfish#2 it is not a matter of isolating children from the real world. Trust me every time a situation like this arises it is a constant reminder. I know what every family that has suffered a loss due to gun violence goes through. I can identify completely. To read or hear how people talk and react to it every time saddens me, that is why I felt the need to say something. I have sit down constantly and reassure my child and speak openly about the violence. I do NOT hide anything. Many people have not been intimately involved in any of these shootings, but is easy to open their mouths and weigh in. The things that are being said are to the benefit of whom?!?!?! An outraged resident of this island? Someone that in two days will go back to their normal life and this will be a distant memory, whilst the family continues to pick up the pieces?
We all are outraged at the moment, but typical Bermuda we get complacent and accept it and move on, while no real progress has been made.
@Concerned Citizen, I not once said they were unbiased….I agree they are NOT each and every situation of this nature they allow the “concerned citizen” weigh in. The question is how many of you “concerned citizens” are there when a family goes through these situation? How many put words into action? No one family or gov’t can do this alone. This violence has been plaguing our country for about four years now. Many kids have lost fathers and many mothers have had to bury their sons.
At the end of the day most of the comments (execpt for a select few) are all talk and at this point talk is cheap. We all must remember once it is put out in this forum these words cannnot be taken back. Consider someone else’s feelings, especial the family who is grief stricken.
And trust me I am not the only person who feels this way about the comments when I comes to the articles relating to gun crime. I know many people (not just in my circle of family and friends) who have expressed their concern about what is being said.
At the end of the day this not by any means take away what Bernews is trying to do. Maybe another forum can possibly be utilized so that people can get out their frustrations and vent. Where people can bicker and it not look immature and childish. I am not here to fight or argue with anyone, I agree that open debate is healthy. Some things posted have given me an insight to how people do think and feel, but when negativity is put out there one negative comment becomes engrained and all the ones of support and resolution become null and void.
I find it sad (but not shocking) that when it comes to positive things that are being posted on Bernews many do not even comment…Maybe we should start supporting more of the positive and show the younger generations that all is not lost and things can be better….
Wishful think I guess….
Wholeheartedly AGREED SMH! Friends and family read these ridiculous non-educated, poorly written, and assuming rants. The family and friends are already in pain. For some of these people to create comments on a matter they have no knowledge or just blame government or police without offering their own solution to the problem is ridiculous. I say to them instead of pointing fingers, accept you part in all of this. NONE of you are innocent to being a part of the problem! Just by the NEGATIVITY witnessed on this site – that is a portion of the problem.
I send out my condolences to the family and I too can attest that this was an outstanding young man who was a good role model. Now I have to deal with my young son who wishes that a person he looked up to was still here.
R.I.P. JS Gone way too soon. Loved my many.
Oh please. Bernews is great to allow us the freedom to voice our opinion and not be censored like the other news agencies in Bermuda. I have not seen anything disrespectful about these comments so far. Why would the families be on here reading this so soon anyway? I’m sure they have more important things to worry about. I don’t see how peoples comments would interfere with the case. No one has said anything that would.
First let me start by saying RIP _________ (Can’t say out of respect for the family) I agree with “devastated” he had no gang affiliation whatsoever! He was an army and school mate of my son and was just visiting another one of their friends. Now I have the job of telling my son that one of his friends have passed as he is currently overseas with the army.
What is happening here in Bermuda is not unique to what is happening worldwide..it is only more noticeable because of the tiny size of our island..I’m sure that since this incident this morning there have been at least 50 since which….What can we do? Police Presence hasn’t worked..CTV cameras don’t deter, holding vigils and marches isn’t proving to be effective either, the poilice say they know who the shooters are but for whatever reason are not willing or haven’t apprehended them, there are supposedly only three guns (hogwash!) on the island that are being shared someone please help me to do yhe math!what is the real deal!
I just wish the powers that me would open their eyes and look at the bigger picture..but everytime it is mentioned someone gets upset and takes it personally but I am going to play Devil’s Advocate and ruffle some feathers..SOMEONE or SOMEBODIES are allowing these weapons in at one of the ports of entry be it by land, sea or air and before you become defensive because you think I might be talking about you (customs, post office, dock workers) if it’s not you it”s one of your co-workers!!!!! and your wrong doing is only going to hit home when it happens to one of yours and it lands on your doorstep!!!!!!
At the end of the day our young men (because I refuse to call them thugs, stupid, idiots and all the other adjectives people like to use to describe them) have to decide within themselves to make the RIGHT CHOICES! because that is what it boils down to! We have to stop pointing fingers!!!! these young men are CHOOSING to do the things that they do!
Just a bit shaken right now..my condolences to his family…
Very well said!! And you as well as your son and the family have my condolences.
You forgot one aspect in the choice . . . parenting . . . because beyond no shadow of a doubt, these mothers and fathers know exactly what their children are involved in, that being perpetrators!!!!
Simply:
there are many Bermudians with blood in their hands for all these munders!
As far as I know, nobody has confirmed that the young man was black. But if the shooter was wearing a tinted visor then even he probably could tell.
This is very crazy…my heart goes out to the family of the victim. It’s time however, that Bermudians band together and TAKE BACK THEIR COUNTRY and NEIGHBORHOODS.
If crime has a strong grip on a neighborhood, it’s hard to take the first steps toward reclaiming your streets. People are afraid that if they act, criminals will take revenge. You can counter this fear, and protect each other, by working closely with police and organizing group activities — there’s safety in numbers.
With God all things are possible ! IT STILL TAKES A VILLAGE !
I AM SICK AND TIRED OF EVERYTHING IN THIS COUNTRY THAT HAPPENS BEING BLAMED ON DRUGS……………..I GUESS IT JUST COULDN’T BE ANYTHING ELSE RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!GET YA HEADS TOGETHER AND SEE THAT BERMUDA HAS BEEN HEADED FOR DISASTER FOR A LONG TIME….BUT THE SIGNS WERE IGNORED………ITS ALWAYS AN OUTCRY THAT IT IS OVER DRUGS …….BUT DO YOU KNOW THAT FOR SURE I THINK NOT………IT’S NOT……..SO SICK OF EVERYONE RUNNING ON THIS CRAP…..AND ALSO THAT THERE IS NO LOVE OF GOD IN THEIR LIVES ….YOU PEOPLE ARE FANATICS….AND BERMY IS ONLY REAPING WHAT IT HAS SOWED………MATERIAL GREED HAS BEEN 1 FACTOR …….AND FOR SO MANY YEARS WE BERMUDIANS HAVE BEEN LOOKING DOWN ON OTHER COUNTRIES AND ISLANDS….WHO IS LOOKING DOWN ON WHO NOW……MENTALITY HAS TO CHANGE…BUT IS IT TOO LATE ? BERMUDA IS TRULY ANOTHER WORLD ….SMDH !!!!!! MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY….R.I.P
BERMUDA MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ! GOD BLESS THIS YOUNG MEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS. BLESS THE POLICE SERVICE AND MAY ALL THEIR EFFORTS NOT BE IN VAIN!!
Lets be real about this, somewhere in Bermuda the person or persons that shot this young man are home with their family.
The parents are doing their regular Sunday routine. Dad’s looking at tv and mom is cooking breakfast for the family. Mom is also on the phone talking 3 way to her girlfriends about the 22 year old who got shot and how this beautiful island we call home is gone to the dogs.
WHAT EVERY DAD AND MOM AROUND BDA SHOULD BE DOING IS ASKING THEIR SON, WHERE THE F@%# WAS YOUR A%# WHEN THIS YOUNG MAN GOT SHOT????
to answer your question! most of them are mama boyZ! welcome to the BDA!
Prepared by Social and Demographic Division
Department of Statistics
48 Cedar Avenue
Hamilton
May 31, 2006
Single Parenting
In 2000, there were 6,328 children living in single-parent families. Twenty-one percent of
children in single parent-families were at least 25 years old. Children aged 5 to 9 and 10
to 14 both represented 18% of children in single-parent families. Four out of ten black
children in lone-parent families were under the age of 10, while this was the case for 2
out of 10 white children.
There were 96% or 6,056 Bermudian children in lone-parent families (Table 8). The age
distribution of children in Bermudian families mirrors that of the total population. Out of
non-Bermudian children who did not live with two parents 39% were under 10 while this
was the case for 35% of Bermudian children. In absolute terms, however, there were
2,125 Bermudian children under 10 in single-parent families while there were only 106
non-Bermudian children.
I agree you are so right. How do you not question your child on his or her whereabouts at that hour. And if they say they went clubbing a parent should ask where, or which one? And if they say they went ice queens after the club a parent should ask well what did you eat and are you going brush your teeth before bed? I personally would be on my sons case about everything especially if he lived in my house and coming home all hours in the night and if he has strange or questionable friends coming over. I guess that is the difference between an immature parent vs a mature one.
Agree 200%! Mine was in his bed and I know because I am in and all over is $#!T.
But, I was the worse mother in the neighborhood because I was all in his bizness.
Dats ok will continue to do so.
@ Where was your son last Night: I am soooo with you on this one!!!!
Damn you could not have said this better!!!
We the people of Bermuda are letting gun crime tear down our paradise. We are calling on the governor, police to secure, but we are not doing tangible things as individauls to take back the streets. Lets stop point to government, yeah they can help but that is really a bandaid approach. We know gun crime is linked to drugs and money and we know that values and morals begin in the home. Neighbors let’s build relationships with our families and our communities, our schools, we have the power to make change. volunteer.bm. I’m just saying let’s call for government to do their part, but we all have a responsibility.
@R. Wilson….no, it’s not We The People….all we the people are are voting ducks that vote for useless politicians that make weak legislations, in return all we get are unsafe streets and neighborhoods, high cost of living, etc, etc.
Take back the streets, well explain how on earth we can do that when the ones on the streets have to value for life….sorry I will not listen to that an put my life and family in danger….we have enforcers that get paid to take back our streets….road side stop and searches are useless…I say, go deep into the neighborhoods like everyday until something cracks….the BPS know the bad apples and where they lay their heads.
Hence my name, I am sick n tired of reading these ridiculous comments that blame the MPs and police for the violence we see. What are we expecting, MPs to be on guard of every point of their areas 24/7; n the police being at every corner of the streets on the whole island?????? Be for real, if you want to go back and blame the political arean, go back and look at the genocide created when the former government changed the educational system which was a successsful one (check the records) to what we now see, a system failing our children; go back and blame the Sheelah Cooper of Bermuda (yes I”m calling names) who advocated for parents and schools to remove discipline from their children . . . as the bible says spare the rod, spoil the child!!! Where are they all now????? SC is still on her DAMN little island!!!!
Since we want to place blame, place it where it belongs . . . the HOME!!!!! Parents are ignoring the warning signs of what their children are involved in, or reaping the benfits and making a choice to ignore such. One murdered victims parents paid tribute to Parkside family in their childs funeral amnnouncement . . . are you serious???? What about the lack of paternal involvement??? Come on now let’s be real and look at what really is going on and how we as parents influence and affect what are children are doing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My condolences to the family . . . my heart goes out to you!!!! ANd yet another mother cries!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sick n tired, I agree with you 100% But now there’s another problem with the so many young parents not knowing how to parent their children nor having the means to do so… They don’t have the mindset to even know where to start. The boys that are becoming fathers to theses children are just boys themselves… Is social studies still being taught in our schools? God help us.
Yes Social Studies are being taught in the schools, however teachers are so plagued with the social emotional problems, that the academics become secondary. Couple that with the fact that we have untrained, lazy personnel and sheltered people heading the area in education responsible for the administration of services, we now have a pan with grease on a lit stove burning out of control!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I sit here with tears streaming down my cheeks. I’m really at a lost for words. First I like to send my sincere condolences to his family. Where does this all end? It’s bad enought that these shootings are taking place…but it’s even harder to digest when the person is not affiliated with this ignorance. Twenty-four square miles…everyone knows everyone. And you tell me there are only several guns. Where are the bullets coming from and how are they getting into the island? We as fellow Bermudians have to keep our eyes and ears open and report anything suspicious..no matter how small and insignificant we think it is. And whomever is involved with this callous acts in any way shape or form. Allowing the guns and bullets in…you have blood on your hands as well. I hope you can sleep nights!!!!!!!!!!
Heavy Heart!!!!!!!
Respect to Fed up!!!! He/she is absolutely right…….the pecking order has been established.R.I.P.
Mirfields are busy entertaining their guests from the UK, send him an email on his strategy, the government ad for his job 2 years ago said the incumbent should train his successor, has the Bermudian ACP-in-Training been identified yet or will that be done after Mr Mirfield applies for his long term residency in 7 years time?
Also isn’t it time for Whitehall to send us a new Governor, how about Paul Boateng?
Lord Paul Boateng as Governor! The first black Governor that we should want in Government House should be a Bermudian!
Mirfield is all about photo opps and seems to do more press conferences then the current Commissioner!
Except Boateng was a crap MP
Here is the inside scoop on the way todays youth r thinking. Many of them have no intentions on living to see past the age of 30. Many see westgate as the place were they are more safer then the sreets, many are not afraid of a life sentence or a hefty sentence being that many of there peers are already serving these type of sentences. A teen goes to prison at 18-25 for a 10yr – life sentence which he knows he has more of a chance of a longer life in there despite restrictions. Prison provides a bed, room, food, clothing at no expense or responsibility on them like society asks for. Many r coming from parents who did not have big dreams in life so the children feel the same way. Drugs is not the real reason this has become a situation in bermuda, its the tv and radio that the government and radio license holdrers have allowed artists to make negative content music to be played on our stations.
I don’t know what ‘it’ is that is causing the killing. I wish I did. I wish I could do something to help! I have ideas about what the problem is and I’ll express them but….to me, the police are the ones who could pin point the reasons – by an analysis of every murder and the information they learn around each murder. The public never really gets to hear a solid answer to the question – of what “it” is! All we get to do is feel heartsick and try to come up with what to do to stop the madness…and feel helpless cause we don’t really know what is going on!
My humble opinion…….I believe that Bermuda went off the rails years ago and that there is a group of Bermudian men and women who did not do well in school and who fell through the cracks…. our education system failed them and they have lived on the streets of hard knocks and they have nothing to lose. Bermuda has bred it’s own horror show at close range. And to date, we have no real answers for these people and their numbers have grown and continue to grow. Anger, bitterness, hate, drugs fuel the gang mentality. A place to belong and find respect and love and work and money… because they cannot find it anywhere else. They became big fat cats while the going was extremely good and our government had ensured that their long standing message of hating the police meant that the police force was cut back, treated poorly and given a much lower position on the PLP “Totem” pole. It was very clear to me ages ago, that the black community was high on ‘power’ and disrespect has played a big part in how they treat others in the community. Bermuda continues… to be feasted upon by those who are hungry for power and money and we are headed down the wrong path in many, many ways…..
I think that we can only work very very hard to ensure that our children do not fall through the cracks any more. That we idenitify the ‘at risk’ ones and their families and work hard to support them in finding a positive way forward within the community that they can take great pride in belonging to, forsaking the life that leads to criminal behaviour and complete distrespect.
When my son was first going to pre-school, back in 1997, I saw and witnessed the strength of a strong, loving black community. Connected by respect and love of family and community. It was so gloreous, it was so wonderful and stronger than any white communities that I was part of. I was invited to join in these extended family celebrations with my son and I loved it. I worry now, that the black community is not the same anymore, that they have lost their way…. and they need to get it back….
If you think as I do, then these ideas may have merit. If you don’t think like I do and you have ideas and possible solutions then please…. I am listening…..
The reason these atrocities continue is because we as a people have lost the social and community spirit that kept us together. Remember the old adage of “the village raising the child”? it no longer exists!! We have become so engrossed with money and material wealth that as our communities burn we feel it does not affect me I’m getting mine.
What is worst is we all sit around and identify the reasons that we as a people have fallen down yet do nothing about it??!! This is a community problem and the community needs to fix it!!! We need to be out in the streets in every parish in every street encouraging our neighbors to join us and hold those we know are responsible for these actions that we will no longer tolerate their behavior.
We all know someone in our neighborhoods who are going astray involved in anti social self destructive behavior yet we walk by and say nothing!! Then we wonder when violence visits us on our door?? Because we allowed it in by ignoring the issue when we could have dealt with it.
It requires everyone man woman and child to take action similar to what happened in Manchester UK when those innocent girls were shot. The community was galvanized and marched in every district and pleaded with those who had information to come forward till the perpetrators were caught and convicted.
It cannot be one group here, church group next week, we need the whole island to come out and sustain it till these vermin are routed out of our existence and we take our country (government) and community back. If not we will witness the same cycle as we see in the prisons forever.
“Back to the plantation”
My heart and condolences goes out to the young man’s family. So loss for words, very sad about this tragedy.
People keep talking about black this and black that. might I remind you that nobody has confirmed that the victim was black.
@ (Original) maybe ppl are saying black this and black that cause they know the victim was black. This is Bermuda might I remind u of that.
I was just saying thats all. People shouldn’t assume the victim was black. I mean what does that say about our country? This might have been white on white crime – you know, a white guy goes out and kills another for some reason. Pigs might fly out of my a$$ too.
And all I was saying is Bermuda is small, how do you know ppl were assuming? News travels very fast and if it was a white victim, I sure ppl would know he was white and not assume. And I hope ya a$$ is big for that to happen cause ya last sentence made no sense.
My last sentence makes sense, and if it doesn’t – you need to go back to school. Let me explain: I was talking about something that will never happen. Pigs will obviously not actually fly out of my a$$. Just like white on white murder ain’t never gonna happen either. Get it now? We all know its black on black. We get it!!
Like I said you still make no sense!!! Never say never but I pray that more violence does not occur.
He is. When has the victim ever been white?
I don’t buy the ‘mistaken id’ thing at all.
Why not? Havent they tried to kill the boys who live on that same hill not too long ago? Stop and think before you make such comments? Are you saying that all black men are guilty of something?
I’m simply saying I don;t buy he mistaken ID thing. Nothing to do with all black men being guilty of something. Stop talking rubbish and trying to make it a care thing.
I haven’t known any of the young men that have been killed recently and never thought it would be somebody I knew, until I heard the news today. After all the deaths of people I don’t know, I was left wondering if they were involved with gangs or not. It is nice to remember the good things about a person that has passed, so most victims are portrayed more innocently than they perhaps were. So the general public can never really know if these men are involved with gangs, etc or not.
However, I knew this young man and can honestly say what a great guy he really was. I am in complete disbelief. He was the kind of guy who really did get along with everyone and was always smiling and joking around. The fact that people have the nerve to suggest otherwise when they do not know the victim is disgraceful.
I hope people think before they listen to rumours and judge those who we know so little about.
That’s because you aren’t fully aware….I can tell you and the Police can tell you as well who the intended victim or victims may have been…Really is a case of mistaken identity…..
HOW EXACTLY WOULD YOU OR THE POLICE KNOW WHO THE INTENDED VICTIM OR VICTIMS MAY HAVE HAVE BEEN? WERE YOU THE SHOOTER??
@ Cedar Beams no disrespect but if you don’t know what you are talking about then you should keep your comments to yourself. It was mistaken identity so have some respect for his family. RIP soldier!!!!!!!
I have the utmost respect and sympathy for the family of the victim. RIP. I still don’t buy the mistaken ID bit. Sorry but I don’t.
DID ANYONE CONFIRM WITH THE KILLER THAT THIS YOUNG MAN WAS THE WRONG PERSON??? AFTER THIS CONFIRMATION CAN THE INTENDED VICTIM COME OUT AND MAKE HIS WHEREABOUTS KNOWN SO HE CAN GET WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY HIS. TOO OFTEN WE SEE OUR CHILDREN AS WHAT WE WANT THEM TO BE AND NOT FOR WHO THEY REALLY ARE.
For those of you who are confused about the “mistaken identity” ……. ASK EVERY SINGLE ONE OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, TEACHERS, FOOTBALL COACHES, REGIMENT OFFICERS ETC. That list alone should be good enough example of him being a good person. I knew Jason personally and I happily defend him in saying HE WAS NOT IN ANY FORM PART OF ANY GANG RELATED BUSINESS! As a friend of his I am offended that you would be ignorant enough to even post such a thing on here, yet you “respect his family and him”. At the rate you all are going……nobody else see’s this “respect”
wake up people, ask yourself, How many killers are waking the streets everyday, maybe sitting at the dinner table with their families, The police can’t be everywhere,nor the politicans, It’s up to the community to tell what they know, and for these family members to stop protecting theses killers. It’s not hard to take a life, when life doese not mean anything to you. The world is violent movies,music,video games, We question, why are these young men killing eachother? They probably don’t have an answer,because life for them is mainly about the lastest gadgets,or sneakers,or whatever new thing comes out on the market. I say let’s start to (NAME AND SHAME)so that everyone will know who the killers are,or suspected gang members are.Make it hard to hide behind mama’s back.
So should Mr. Blankley be responsible for his son?
LOL
Could also be related to a recent incident.Never know.
How the heck ppl can sit here and blame the Police is beyond me! They can only do so much and how many of you here know SOMETHING about a crime and have said NOTHING?! Personally, the Govt needs to bring in a SWAT team quietly and let them find the perpetrator(s) and then drown them.
Well what are the police doing? They are hugely incompetent compared to law enforcement overseas. They need to start searching homes, executing search warrants. In court they say who are in the gangs, well kick down their doors at 3am. Kick down their mothers doors, their girlfriends, I bet people would start talking then.
Hello you just nailed it!!!!! Shake up the place, if you have nothing to hide for the sake of saving a life,let em in!
exactly! privacy is a privilege, not a right and the people involved in this crap do not deserve the privilege of privacy if it means they can hide these tools or murder and devastation. and when they find something lock up the mothers and fathers and sisters and baby mamas housing these guns and charge them as accomplices. find the guns u find the killers. take um all down until people get tired of having there privacy and their lives dissected and they start talking. put cctv cameras on every corner in these problem areas and watch everything! its sad that it has to turn into a police state but if u want to catch um u need to really start looking everywhere. im sure this will seem controversial but what else is there to lose? at this point they need to try everything or else we will live like this forever. revenge never dies and the generation of sons of these murdered men are gonna grow up with hate in their hearts and it will never end.
my condolences to the family and friends of this good young man.
Compared to which overseas law enforcement agencies?? Do tell us please.
The former leader of PLP tried to bring a SWAT team. Remember how it got rejected because other not so smart people/leaders in this country disagreed.
Until the plp government goes hardcore in cleaning up the gang problem, these gunshot murders aren’t going to stop
Does this mean Hott 1075 is going to be playing that annoying song again, all week long. “the streets are bloody” Cos that really is making a huge difference right ?
It’s time to put a time line on the self serving agenda’s that have been circulating since the first post. The rhetoric is deafening.
Governor,Premier,because prior Governors and Premiers refused to “deal”, or chose not “deal” with one single situation, you can. You know the facts, your inaction to erradicate the established drug trade displays complicity at worst and fear at best. It’s similarities to the blind eye that was given to the powerful people that ran the slave trade of centuries ago is, well, powerful.
FACT ~ The drug trade is allowed to run as a profitable business by one single entity.
FACT ~ The established drug trade and its financial networks, still thrive, money is still being laundered by the tens of millions, through the aquisition of legitamite business and outright insertion into various financial entities and institutions by lawyers and top business persons.
FACT ~ The large shipments of drugs necessary to meet demand virtually never get intercepted by our “authorities”. Overseas, the record is better. The importation of firearms and ammunition meets demand as well.
FACT ~ The tens of millions of dollars generated monthly gets back into the system, unfetered.
FACT ~ It’s impossible to not intercept and detain large seizures of drugs, monetary instruments and guns without the complicity of legislators, lawyers, bankers, business persons, Police, Customs, freight consolidators, etc. It requires tons of drug to satisfy demand, where are the seizures?
FACT ~ The labour required to process these huge drug shipments is staggering. Just the physical labour of moving them, warehousing and processing into the exact gram required decks and individual bags still happens daily.
FACT ~ The internal distribution network, where the drugs are moved within Bermuda are managed, then sold have never been touched. The transfer of the monies have never been touched.
FACT ~ The wider community does not despise those involved in any level of the drug trade. This community embraces the trade but despises the addicted. Fact, Government cut funding for the addiction programs and interdiction programs..
FACT ~ Until the recent murders, assasinations and serial murders over the last few years those that challenged the established drug powers were pushed back by beatings, machette and knife attacks. If that didn’t work the established drug entity would threaten their families. The other option that was used, was to provide detailed information to the police and “sanction” them to take out the competition.
FACT ~ The drug competion became stronger, smarter and bolder. They became organised and fought back. They started to claim business for themselves with the required firepower. The established drug business, could no longer fight back the traditional way. THEY authorised the push back with lethal force. THEY are the ones ultimately responsible. Now the genie is out of the bottle it’s escalated outward, but of course it would. But of course, now THEY will come for me.
Most people in Bermuda are just good, decent, honest and hard working people. Just don’t buy drugs, your the fuel! Thats the only immediate way forward because of the rampant corruption. Kill the air that helps ignite the fuel, and for God’s sake take down the established drug entity.
So while we look on the suface and blame anything that moves, it’s specifically the men and women who control top echelons of power in the “one” drug trade that are responsible for the murders. They are the serial killers. And they operate their “trade” with outright community immunity.
Now you have the blood of innocents flowing over your evil hands. All of you, especially you, who looked the other way.
It’s intresting, that given the facts, especially those that know the facts, some people still want/need to put a spin on what has been allowed to happen. Thank God I know the difference.
My most sincere and heart felt condolences from my entire familly to all those that have suffered through the injury and loss of life of their loved ones.
One Drug Trade,profit over humanity— Thank you for this, it is certainly informative and food for thought!
As easy as it is for everyone above to list their thoughts and rants, it is equally easy to list potential information that might be used to stop this craziness. There are a lot of people in this country who KNOW the who, what, when, and how of what is going on. This is a very short list.
I would suggest that people list the names/information on a forum such as this in an effort to help the police. You can hide your identity behind an internet based email address so as to remain nameless. At this point information will help more than the need to appear in court. So start listing what you know, even what you think you know. I guarantee it will only be of help in this dire situation we are facing. The only reason this crap continues is because these idiots think they can do it because no one will talk or know one will suspect them or get proof they did it. Lets lift their veil of secrecy and start listing them by name and what we believe they are doing or are into.
To hell with whats legal or not, there is a huge problem we NEED to address, NOW!!
Who has the BALLS to start the list? I guess I will:
The residents of [edited] keep some shady criminal company and it is suspected that drugs are handled or maybe being sold out of this residence. Police would appreciate more information on this situation.
I’m a square, but this is all I know of, so far.
I like where you’re going with this. It’s shame your effort was castrated.
Please explain the edit Bernews
Media blitz… Bring back the death penalty… let even the most illiterate government educated child know there is a course of action for a murderous thug.
@ ONE DRUG TRADE, i completely agree. The drugs,guns etc will never stop reaching Bermuda’s shore’s because the powers that be fail to address the problem mainly because its too much money in this business. Drugs is Bermuda’s lifeline. Having a civil servant relative in law enforcement I will say though while many wish to do their jobs to the best of their ability their hands are often tied in truely serving and making a difference for Bermuda.
Farrakhan stated “Who benefits from bringing drugs to this island”…the truth may shock you.
WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME, now what do we do that innocent young men r being taken out????!!!! Mothers and fathers let’s get together NOW, PLEASE….
Where and When???? Let’s do it.
“
we all agree this need to stop: YES
O.K here is how to find out who these ppl are.
If you are age of 18-30, born in Bermuda, govt need to find out what your contribution to the world is today!
I mentor at a school that is located in the heart of an affected gang area. Over time I have gotten to know the students and one particular student stands out because of ‘bad’ behavior. This student is disrespectful to the teachers, mouths off incessantly, is always angry and I fear for this student’s future. The teachers try to disclipline the student but it doesn’t seem to be working. I can’t help but think that 7 or 8 years from now I will be reading about this student in the local press (as a result of criminal activity). I think this situation is indicative of problems that multiple homes in Bermuda are facing. Ineffective or non existant parenting, schools that seem powerless to correct anti-social behavior of students and the seemingly lack of a any mechanisms to identify these problem kids early on in order to effectively intervene. Unfortunately as a community we continue to breed generations of future criminals. Just calling it as I see it. I will pray for the families of ALL the young men murdered in cold blood. My heart is heavy today…for Bermuda.
Stop circumcision.
Look into sexual abuse. Very often this is an underlying cause of your 7 to 8 year old student. Keep a watchful eye.
On the violence aspect lots of people wrote about it for years. There was a guy named Gerald from Somerset who kept on talking about it. He couldn’t find a proper building for his youth site. he saw it coming and so did Dr. Eva Hodgson who wrote about lost values. Now we reap what we sow.
But remember Good will prevail
It is time for some tough measures. An infringement of rights for a period of time until there is some progress.
Good will have to suffer for the guilty until this madness stops.
Perhaps a curfew for anyone 25 and under?
Perhaps bank machines are shut down between 1am and 6am? You will not be able to withdraw $200 @ 2am and go buy drugs!
Perhaps vehicle checkpoints after a certain hour for all?
Nothing to hide nothing to fear from the Police!
You are being a ridiculous. Drugs are not only sold from 1am to 6am and plenty of people have been shot at and murdered in broad daylight. Curfew for people under 25? You think the only ones being shot or shooting are under 25? We do not need a curfew.
Ok fair enough what are your possible solutions ace boy?
Scroll up ace boy.
Yes stop the bank machines from operating, guess we will just see an increase in property theft between the hours of 1am and 6am, oh well…
Yeah what a great idea suspending everyone’s personal freedom and liberties….heres a quote for you..’Those who sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither’
As for a plan to stop these killings, take power away from the gangs. Open shops were soft drugs are sold legally and taxed alongside tobacco and alcohol (hard drugs) with doctors working closely with patients(addicts. Guess there’s no money to be made after that..but since Bermuda has its head so far up the a$$ of the church guess this’ll never happen soon. C’mon guys realise peoples health and safety will not be improved via praying, getting out and helping individuals (thought thats what the bible preaches)is the only way forward
One Community, One Bermuda
What makes you think that rights will be given back when things get better?
LOL
ACP Mirfield has failed.
Current Government scared to act cause acting with the proper strategy, response, and level of force that would work goes against their social liberal political mindset (i.e. that people should be allowed to do what ever they want – eat, drink, and smoke dope and cigarettes a lot, and shoot other people if they want – and it is the job of the responsible, educated middle class to look after their crazy poor relatives not lock the crazy relatives up to punish their crazy behavior!)
Change is needed to that mindset, but PLP would have a stroke if Bermuda made its poor reckless citizens pay dearly for bad behavior. Here’s what needs to be done immediately to increase the number of killers caught and shorten the time it takes to catch them:
1. Place traffic/security cameras at every, repeat EVERY, major traffic junction (a short list of examples – the entrance and exit to Blackwatch Pass, all round-abouts, Camp HIll/Horseshoe, all the roads leading into Hamilton, St George, and Sandys, Parsons Road at Glebe Road, Montpellier Road at Middle Road, Wilikinson Ave at North Shore, Causeway, entrance to St Davids, etc, Etc.) The Island would need to have cameras at about 45 junctions (outside of the city) looking north and south and east and west, as opposed to the current 4 or 5. With this in place we can narrow down suspects and witnesses/passersby near the scene at the time of the crime
2. Immediatley change the license plates system so that all plates have an RF ID tag that can identify a vehicle (bike truck, or car, owner & address) as it passes each and every camera. All with a time stamp! This will capture killers on their way to crimes and on their way back. We might even make the RF ID tag GPS trackable.
3.The time that defines Life imprisonment (CURRENTLY ONLY 20 YEARS!!) CANNOT be set BEFORE a crime has been committed. Life should be 25 years, or until a person’s 65 birthday, which ever is longer. No chance for parole. Life ends at 65 when all must retire and prepare for the end of life. A person who is convicted at age 25, for example, would thus spend all of his useful life in prison paying for his murder. Not just 20 years and get out at 45 ready to be a further nuisance to his community. Murder is the worst of human behavior and must therefore be punished by the removal of a person from society for the balance of his her useful life.
4. Persons convicted of murder, especially really heinous, premeditated, coldblooded killings that are gang related should be sent, in shackles via airplane, to serve their time (until the age of 65) at prisons like those prisons in Northern Ireland that used to be full of IRA gangsters in the 80′s and are now a lot less full. I bet the cost will half the $80,000 per/annum it cost to keep a fool in prison here. This will also prevent them from seeing their “boys” and their enabling momas too! Will build character and self reliance!
Just as a note about the graffiti comments that we didn’t let through, there may possibly be some measure of confusion, as there are photos with graffiti about business/you made me rich which are older and relate to another case, not this one. At last check [about 1pm] there was no graffiti whatsoever at this scene. If we have it wrong, and there is another set, sorry send us a message and let us know…
Hey! I remember former Premier saying BRING IN THE SWAT TEAM FROM THE US. but that was rejected by the governor, and the public, in fact he said that he had spoken to the mayor of NY, and the chief of police, they were ready to assist, but all the DR. got was more criticism. We should have moved on this thing back then. (what a difference a day make.) we are so ready to reject sensible, ideas from people we don’t like,even when they make sense.
More denial….Farrakhan told you EXACTLY how all this would happen and we chose not to listen.
Yes he did and most of this occurred right after he did hmmmmmmmmmm….
LOL
You are right. We have waited too late. This has gotten totally out of hand now. I can bet we are going to sit around and watch a bunch of “Nothin” being done to stop it.
Exactly. You are so right. But he remains and we say nothing.
Give it a break Dr. wanted the US to police a British territory thats why there was a push back. What did you think of the three stricks for serious crimes and then life in prison from the UBP in 2007?
LOL
This will not end until the swift and firm hand law enforcement shows itself. Until then my prayers are with the families. This is a sad day.
We can pick apart everyone’s ideas, however if we select the ones that work will be a victory for ridding these streets of murderers.
1. Persons shooting are murderers, assassins, hit man…. (Gangs, possie’s, crew etc.. been around for decades!) Plain and simple…. murderers and we have them running rough shot over us! Let’s call them what they truly are.
2. If Pembroke has 95% of the deaths….. Sorry we need added police patrols and stop check in Pembroke until as long as it take period…. and don’t stop…. I live in Pembroke..Please inconvenience me for 5-10 minutes….. at least it makes them think twice about going out and causing harm or death.
3. You might not agree but the biggers that are locked up have a say.. Please get them to talk, a truce, dialog anything that might slow or stop this badness!
4. Young shottas will have no respect for their leaders if they continue to make a name for themselves… total craziness then. It starts in the schools we need anti-gang Education and Initiatives and a real solution to get them out at that early age.. People a lot of these guys were the same ones fighting in schools in the last 10 years,… hmmm here’s a place to get real police intelligence!
5. outside help! hmmm if it will stop one more death who’s to judge!
6. We have had every sort or march – demonstration known too this island.. I would like to see all march in unison to say to our government that we need action; sustained action and cost don’t matter as some has put a value on one’s life…
Pembroke is being squeezed; your area may be next! It’s a Bermuda problem… some forget
Please write real solutions! If we can’t get a truce we need to infiltrate their small circle!
7. Home…i’ve yet to think of how we can fix some of the broken ones!
PLEASE CALL CRIME STOPPERS IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION! THE SMALLEST MIGHT BE THE BIGGEST INFO. YET!
While i appreciate Bernews for allowing us to voice our opinions simply typing on a computer is not enough.
Here goes my suggestions:
1. Can someone organize a community meeting for each parish and those wishing to attend come prepared with any solutions they may have to Bermuda’s problem or with information about their neighborhood. Each draft up and send to politician, police or whomever it may concern.
2. The police service can start from one end of the island to the next. stake out from neighborhood to neighborhood. learn who lives there. where they work become familiar with the people. from that you should be able to learn whose gang members. Where they hang and associate with. Whose their parents. Their means of transportation whether its their own,girlfriends,parents etc. create a database.
3. Regarding the Hamilton dock in Bermuda. Bermuda’s two main shipping vessels arrive from New Jersey and Florida. Have oversees enforcement assist or send a few locals to those ports.
4. Vessel entry in St. George have a K9 at that port of entry at all times.
5. Cruise ships- have a k9 their as well and also do away with the security firms and put police and customs their.
CTV cameras are a waist of time as Bermuda had bought the cheap ones. If you wish to use them we need the high definition.
This is just some suggestions. They may not all work but its worth a try.
Are you developmentally challenged?
CTV cameras have reduced crime in NYC and London, and increased arrests,since their use was increased after 911.
45 to 50 cameras placed strategically at junctions around the island will definitely limit killers ability to move to the scene of a crime, commit the crime, and leave the scene, all undetected as happens all too frequently now!!
Detection creates evidence, evidence leads to successful apprehension, trail, and conviction.
You are an intellectually limited individual…so sad, as you are what really ails Bermuda…too few intelligent people!
If you read LOL’s post carefully, you will see that he/she didn’t say that CCTV doesn’t work but that Bermuda did not purchase the highest quality equipment so that our footage won’t be as useful as it could otherwise be. The attack was unfounded at best.
This problem is not just a Police problem. Even if 500 police is out scouring Bermuda. The emails or text will be sent to someone who knows the movement of the next target. The instigator does not need to be anywhere in sight. This is what is happening in our country. Parents KNOW, girlfriends KNOW, Home boys Know, some POLICE KNOW, business people KNOW, Leaders KNOW, and no-one will voice their info to the Police. WE ARE ALL GUILTY, even the CHURCH! Why?? 1. Afraid of the thugs or our family member being shot or killed, 2) the benefits of payment for crime (filthy blood money) outweigh the value of life 3) Notoriety amongst the Gangs, 4) The young children who are recruited are not the leaders, Grown Adults ( some in High Places ) are behind these crimes. We cannot keep burying our heads in the sand. Careful investigation and air-tight cases and heavy convictions and capital punishment is in order. Until it happens to a small child ( god-forbid) or someone whom you least expect. No-one will take this activity serious. GOD HELP MY COUNTRY.
RIP J…gonna miss ya bra
I understand that the Police cannot be everywhere, & girlfriends, friends, & family members do protect these guys, but the lack of drastic action from the government is just as worrying to me as the actions of these criminals. I have an idea which I’m interested as to what some of you think of. Apart from the Bermuda Regiments assistance with hurricanes & parades, they aren’t very useful or effective, especially as the people being forced to go are usually the ones who need discipline the least. Cant we train some of the regiment officers to do patrols in the most violent gun crime areas to give assistance to the police? I mean regiment officers already get paid & these are very uncertain times on the island.
You all are typing so much stuff on this page but the 2groups of people that should be reading your comments arent!!! The shooters/gangsters and the Government. These are the 2 groups that should be reading your comments who arent so you all are typing for nothing!!! Neither of them CARE!!! The shootings will continue and the Government will continue not to do anything about it!!!
I think that each individual who is fed up with this nonsense should write to the Premier of this country and to the Governor. We are fed up lets flood their mailboxes with our frustrations over this nonsense.
Also write to your MP- regardless of their political party
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR THOUGHTS SOME HAVE BEEN MOST INSIGHTFUL I AM READING AND HAVE BEEN ASSISTED.
MICHAEL
This island is 1 crazy sick place. I believe that our society has cause this increase in violence. I remember when I was 17 and 18 the public were saying that these guys aren’t gangs and they are just wanna be thugs. It was like you all were taunting them to take I t to the next level. These guys did not wake up one day and say umma be a gunman. Just like society had avenues for young people to become doctors, lawyers, and other professionals it also had avenues to become thugs. As a people I do not believe that there is anything that we can do to stop this, not at the moment anyway. It took many years of turning a blind eye to certain situation for this island to get to this state so therefore I do not believe that things can change over night.
On another note I am a 22 year old man with a masters degree in my chosen field. And I have decided to leave the island due to the fact that I do not see a future here for myself or my future family. I love my country of Bermuda but I do not see a place that I would like my future children be raised in. This world is too big and has too much opportunity out there that is right in front of my face for me not to leave this island. Do you think I am making a good decision to leave or should I stay at the country of my birth and the country that I love dearly?
I too am a young educated male, and this island can be an amazing place to live and raise a family, however there are young males like us who have no education or respectable place in society, so they feel the only means of gaining respect is through fear & violence, which is sad & pathetic. Don’t let losers like them run you out of your own country.
@ Vot!!! Yes – lack of early intervention with a child at risk. This is where we need to have an ‘internvention’ group of some sort step in and pull up that child and find out why the anger and disrespect, see what the problems are, bring the parents in on it and offer solutions. Yes – there will be people who refuse to allow any form of intervention but this is when we need to stand tuff and have some legal way of enforceing an intervention, for the child, for the parents because I’m sure it will be all of them that are in crisis and going the wrong way….like a mirrors program for a family.
Running from your fears will not solve the problem, it is your God giving right to make a difference just like your forefathers! Fight for your children, they will thank you one day!
Young Bermudian,
You are doing the right thing by LEAVING Bermuda as we Bermudiansa now need to go and get London market experience serving tea or doing admin to get a role back in bermuda I am meetingnmore Bermudians whonwent to London for even a year to do filing in then insurance market and are able to come back and get work those of us here even with qualifications and Bermuda market expereience can’t get work due to this work permit nonsense approvals system that excludes Bermudians and protects foreigners with multiple extensions. Go take n take your family somewhere safe even although u will earn less come back in 10years when this batch of work permits expires hopefully PLP don’t give everybody long term residency to sell some more condos tickers point phase 5
Laugh at me or say I am incoherent Bermuda is bought and sold already
First I would like to say my condolences to the family of the young man my heart and prayers are with you.
Secondly I see alot of people that seem to have ideas and solutions for combating this “Disease” that is plaguing our island dont just voice them on here go out to your constituent and tell them, blow up Mr. Perinchiefs phone and email with these ideas and solutions KEEP ON TOP OF THEM!!! like they owe you money. Government works for the people we dont work for them!!! we voted for them!!!
Thirdly stop pointing fingers the only people to blame for this nonesense are the men themselves(young and old black and white) they are grown hairy ass men with their own minds and make their own decisions and they know the consequences of their decisions. they arent babies they know right from wrong so stop treating them as so!!
Lastly give our young men a chance please stop judging by appearance and race!! Stop belittling and berating them not all of them are into criminal lifestyles!! we should be lifting our young black males up making them feel good about themselves reward the ones that are making a difference. Stop throwing your hands up in the air and saying “O well”. If we cant help them all we can at least save one!!
Also the police can be a little more proactive i witnessed a situatiin this weekend where a numerous amount individuals from two different “hoods”that are known to the community and police as trouble makers having a slight arguement and the police sat in their car no more then 5 feet away and watched instead of investigating the situation before it could have escalated and who knows one of these individuals might have had a firearm on them and there could have been one more off the streets.
im not blaming the police im just saying they have all these new powers well excercise them when they are needed instead of harassing hard working citizens on their way to work mornings!!
BERMUDA WAKE UP!! we have lost toooo many!!!
Like some the comments above, I would like to share this link that has a possible solution of how Newark was able to decrease their crime and Bermuda could learn from. All of the solutions in this link, do not require money but a new way of thinking when it come to using the resources will have.
Have a look, give your thoughts and share with your local MP (it is about 4.30 minutes and the Newark story is about half way in the clip)
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6484907n&tag=mncol;lst;2
Thank you. The video and the accompanying article provide real insight as to the reality of urban violence and how cities like Chicago and Newark are coping. Indeed, the Newark story provides real insight for Bermuda’s crisis.
Very good video, Newark covers 26.0 sq mi (67.3 km2) and has a population of 277,140 so it has a much larger population to deal with. No need to re-invent the wheel here, this problem isn’t necessarily unique to Bermuda so perhaps looking at how other communities are dealing with this can be quite insightful.
Hear what the late great TUPAC had 2 say about all this so called “GANG” situation….
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh01XHoeh4q45370h3
Perhpas the government should immediately remove their electronic wiretaps from ALL electronic communications now… clearly they’re not working (if ever that was the intent)
Still, I will say again, this doesn’t look like gang activity. The mentality is all wrong; the post shooting ‘gang behavior’ or response is inconsistent with any gang warfare I’ve ever seen or heard of. This has more the feel of careful, calculated, assassinations.
There is a spirit of fear out there so much that perhaps those who call themselves ‘gang members’ are clueless as to what’s really going on. Something is definitely wrong with this picture.
the hell are you you talking about?
you’re a worldwide gang warfare expert are you?
what kind of wierd sort of assassination conspiracy are you getting at?
Do tell.
we do not have “gangs” in Bermuda so to speak. The organization is off and there is not enough members to be gang affiliated. This isn’t assassination unless someone really had something against this person, and how people know him is like he was not one to cause anything, be gang affiliated or anything like that.
so many people are blaming the government and the police but this is a social issue first and foremost. people keep blaming drugs but drugs have been in bermuda for decades and never have they provoked a level of violence and destruction as this. when i look at this problem i feel it starts in the homes and in the education system. these new super schools were created and kids from all over bermuda who would have never known each other to hate each other were forced into these schools and told to just get along. kids from west had no beef with kids from town had no beef with kids from east etc. then when u factor in that there are what, 20+ kids thrust onto one teacher who cannot possibly cope with so many different kids, each one with a different aptitude and attitude for learning of course some are going to be left behind. the ones who cant learn because they have problems at home or parents who don’t care to make them do their homework or plain old learning undiagnosed learning disabilities because no one cares to wonder y at 15, lil timmy cant read, are left to be idle and fail and lose hope and interest in any life other than the one on the streets where money and respect come wether u can read or not. then someone puts a gun in their hand and tells them his life is of no value because he disrespect the clique u represent they have nothing to lose and only more respect and power to gain from the only people who ever gave them what they consider an opportunity.
having said all that, the plp has alot of mess to clean up from previous administrations and just like those who came before them, the road to making the rite decisions for this country is not an easy one especially in this declining economic and social climate. and the poor police. before this all happened they were nobodies favorite people to see and now for the first time in the history of our country they are faced with an unimaginably overwhelming situation like none we have ever seen and everyone expects them to have some instant magic solution with no support from the very people they are trying to protect. o boy. this is merely a theory and opinion not meant to cause offence or upset. we all have one and this is just mine. thanx bernews for letting me voice it.
again condolences to the family of the young man.
Yep. I agree with a lot you are saying but at the end of the day it is…..the way forward. what do we do to arrest this?
until this genocide directly the powers that be to cleaning it up with the harshest methods possible; including the approach of using the best social methods as well that is when it cleaned up like willie williams (the former police chief of los angeles) for that city did it will never ever stop but will only get worst — right now this genocide is happening every other week with the last 3.
All the prayers haven’t done a DAMN thing to stop it
no disrespect to the police but it is like how does Bermuda have about 20 unsolved murder and so called 3 guns used the weapons used for all the ones in the past year?we need someone from America’s ballistics unit, CSI, and some forensic pathologist and scientist.
R.i.P_______(out of respect for the family)
So so sad!! Bermuda let us all look to God for the way out of this mess!! It has to stop!! My condolences to the family of this young man. This is tearing my heart out and I do not know him or his family. Imagine their pain!!!!! God bless!! Somebody knows something……………………….
All the prayers haven’t done a DAMN thing to stop it
Don’t stop now when we need them the most. It’s not our plan or time table but the Lord’s. Just don’t leave Him out of the scheme of things.
Yes they have. Prayers have stopped one a day.
Prayers have stopped what one a day ????
Mistaken identity???????????? What nonsense.
Someone has been killed rightly or wrongly Let’s catch the murderer!!! Come on Bermuda do the right thing!!
Police and Govt aren’t to blame, give them a raise! Good work Mirfield!!
Excuse me, but are we praying to the same God who allowed this person to be murdered? The same God who allowed tens of thousands of people in Japan to get wiped out recently? You may as well pray to Peter Pan – he’s a fictional character too. One of more merit actually. I’ve seen him and he does good things.
@ Cedar Beams (Original) Satan has your head twisted… The Bible says satan is in control of this world…. Prayer is a request to God for guidance and protection but it can be refused because of sin, selfishness, doubt, disobedience, inhumanity or pride… You should try it sometime.
so why haven’t all the prayers that have sent about this bermuda genocide been answered????
Because they are selfish requests. The world is a lot bigger and a lot worse off then Bermuda..
than what are the prayers for than?????
Self Satisfaction.
@cedar beams hmmm….maybe we should pray to you cedar beams since you apparently are your own god! Hurry up and bring this thing to an end! that goes for ALL of those professing to be their own god! Lets go! hurry up and bring this madness under control! all of you self made men and women need to get this thing under control!!! lets be honest…none of you that insult the God of the heavens and the earth can even guarantee the protection of your own family in this present environment even if you live in Tuckers Town or Fairylands. At the end of the day, the only one that’s truly living in never never land is the one that believes that his own brilliance or physical attributes can protect his or her family from the mindless hate and murder that has invaded our shores because as of late, innocence is no longer a guarantee of safety and protection.
I’ll try and get it under control for you. That God chap isn’t doing such a good job of it.
Interested that you mentioned Never Never Land – since that where Peter Pan lives. At least he managed to get rid of Captain Hook.
@ Cedar Beams…u do realise that i used the reference to never never land deliberately right?!?! i was certain that everyone would have caught that direct correlation.
@Arrogance. Yes I did. But assuming everyone would catch it would be like getting them to believe a bunch of fairy stories written 2,000 years ago about how a man in the sky made heaven and earth on day one and then made light on day 2. That means he did day one without lights. Brilliant!!!
88% percent of the worlds population believe in God. there are 2-3 billion Christians in the world and as far as being able to operate without lights…..when you’re omnipotent and omniscient being able to produce under “less than HUMANLY perfect” circumstances isn’t an issue. Remember, its the blind that cant see and besides…my GOD can see u and I even when we turn off our lights and retire for the night! He knows exactly where u are 24/7. Quit insulting the Lord of Hosts! Even fleshly man was given the wisdom to create night vision….so do u really think the creator of man would have a problem with His own night vision?! IT’s man that requires light to be able to see and man hadn’t been created yet so who cares if He chose to create light on the 2nd day!
I don’t know why my not believing in God should be so upsetting to you. You already know what it is like to not believe. There are approximately 3,000 man made Gods in organized religion and you already don’t believe in 2,999 of them. I just take it one God further. The Christian Bible was written to explain to simple folk where we came from. It has been used to control them ever since – in exactly the same way that Santa Claus (not coming) is used to get good behavior out of children.
I’m not upset that you dont believe. I’m simply responding to your comments. I’m well aware of the vast amount of religions in the world. Man knows that there is a God, they know that there is a creator, someone bigger than themselves. You have called people who believe in the God of the Bible “simple folk” and related them to children. Well i’ve compiled a short list of ppl you probably have heard of who also belive in the God of the Bible. Please reviwe and then tell me if you think that these ppl fit your description of simple and child like:
BARACK OBAMA (PRESIDENT)
LORD KELVIN (FAMOUS SCIENTIST…ABSOLUTE TEMPERATURE ETC..)
MICHAEL FARADAY (FAMOUS SCIENTIST)
ABRAHAM LINCOLN (PRESIDENT)
TOM LANDRY (HALL OF FAME DALLAS COWBOYS COACH)
DEION SANDERS (FAMOUS NFL AND PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYER)
JAMES PENNEY (FOUNDER OF J.C. PENNEY)
SAM WALTON (FOUNDER OF WALMART)
RONALD REAGAN (PRESIDENT)
ZIG ZIGLAR (WORLD FAMOUS MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER)
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER (FAMOUS SCIENTIST & INVENTOR)
ISAAC NEWTON (SCIENTIST, INVENTOR NEWTONS LAW)
DONALD TRUMP (FAMOUS BUSINESS MAN)
DR. BEN CARSON (FAMOUS NEUROSURGEON)
ROBERT BOYLE (FAMOUS SCIENTIST BOYLES LAW)
JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER (FAMOUS BUSINESS MAN)
BILL CLINTON (PRESIDENT)
H.G. HEINZ (HEINZ KETCHUP CO.)
T.S. ELLIOT (FAMOUS POET)
S. TRUETT CATHY (FOUNDER OF CHIK-FIL-A)
DAVE THOMAS (FOUNDER OF WENDY’S)
TED KENNEDY (SENATOR)
TONY DUNGY (NFL COACH SET RECORD FOR CONSECUTIVE PLAYOFF
APPEARANCES)
AND THE LIST IS ENDLESS
I’m sure if the Bus drivers had been given the raise they wanted, there would be no murders.
Buses run at 4am?
Ignorant!
I too would like to say how ‘Tragic and Senseless’ this act was. However I feel that the person that said those words better have them ready again for numbers 6,7, and 8 if he doesn’t take drastic action.
Perhaps if everyone wore a tinted visor, then there would be no murders – since you’d never be sure who you are shooting. I believe the Muslims have tried this with the Berka – but no longer in France.
Yes on the circumcision thing. Life was sh!t….. then they nailed me thru my hands to 2 woooden beams connected at 90 degrees. They called it a cruss or something. It fecking hurt – but I had a really good view from up there. A great way to end the week – apart from the death thing of course.
What senseless cowardly act is this? My heart is saddened as I knew Jason very well. He was a good kid, well liked and loved by his family and friends. How could some animal gun him down in the street like this. This is not the Bermuda I grew up in. Bermuda needs to bring back the cat and nine tails and capital punishment. You kill someone like a coward you should die too.
Im out !! its lawless and boring here ..Bermuda seems to be run by thick heavy people with no idea how to manage a country….basics such as law and order..adaquate health care.. affordable schooling…a public transport system..paved roads..public street lighting ..you dont have it !! …not to mention the unemployed..homeless..the at risk elderly ..and drug and alcohol abuse..and how their murdering each other !! ::) its crazy….your beachs are nice but the your dollar sucks…You resent the ex-pats and threat them with disdain..they’ll be leaving shortly and you’ll be left alone…the way you wanted it. Sort your Tiny Island out Bermuda for your own good .
@Cedar Beams you need to be careful of words that are falling out of your head because of your lack of Knowledge and understanding of the Almighty God that wakes you up every morning… Seek the truth so that you can have a better understanding of your Creator who you so easily disrespect.
Careful? Of a fictional book which has been edited and manipulated dozen of times to enable religious leaders to control the masses. Ha!
If God is so powerful, why doesn’t he just destroy the devil then? Why didn’t he stop the Japan thing on March 11th. The WTC on Sept 11th. The Tsunami on Boxing day?
These words are not falling out of my head due to a lack of knowledge. A lack of believing in the Bible yes. But then the Bible is fiction. An account of where we come from written for simple people.
We’ve just had a terrible tragedy. Praying to a fictional God won’t help.
It’s so nice to know that there are some sensible people among us who do not subscribe to the theory that we are rued by some invisible man in the sky. As I mentioned in my earlier post, “two hands busy at work can accomplish far more than a thousand hands clasped in prayer”.
Exactly, praying and thinking that we as humans cant control “destiny” is the reason its gotten this far. God will not step in and help anyone. If he does I hope he goes to Africa and helps them first.
@Geza Wolf, we can & do control our own destiny, PLEASE READ http://www.thinktorich.com/free-think-and-grow-rich.htm
Thanks, I know that…
I was stating that the people above who think prayer fixes things without any actual physical effort to make the changes are rediculous.
@ Cedar Beams…..God is a God of law and order and He has set up a system on the earth that HE Himself will not violate. HE responds to the prayers of those who have a covenant relationship with Him and are walking in that covenant. He gave the earth to man and gave him dominion over it. Man gave up their dominion when they chose to be disobedient. the wages of sin is death….this earth has been dying ever since. He hears the prayers of the righteous but there still has to be a penalty for sin just like the laws of physics (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.) If man chooses to allow sin to reign in the region then they tie the hands of God to assist which is why the Bible says No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. So when we allow hate, greed, envy, strife, gossip, lying, lust etc to rule then we have effectively bound the strong man of love(But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1cor. 13:13 Love never fails 1Cor. 13:8) and therefore we are now open to having our goods of peace, propserity and protection to be taken from us at the devils will. There is so much more to this but even if you choose to reject the Almighty God He won’t cease to be EL Elyon!….If we believe not, [ HE abideth faithful: HE cannot deny Himself.2 Timothy 2:13
Christianity: The belief that some cosmic Jewish Zombie can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him you accept him as your master, so he can remove an evil force form your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat from a magical tree.
Makes perfect sense.
@Cedar Beams! These sheeple don’t get it.
20 reasons to abandon Chrisitanity!
Christianity is based on fear
Christianity preys on the innocent
Christianity is based on dishonesty
Christianity is extremely egocentric
Christianity breeds arrogance, a chosen-people mentality
Christianity breeds authoritarianism
Christianity is cruel
Christianity is anti-intellectual, anti-scientific
Christianity has a morbid, unhealthy preoccupation with sex Christianity produces sexual misery
Christianity has an exceedingly narrow, legalistic view of morality Christianity encourages acceptance of real evils while focusing on imaginary evils
Christianity depreciates the natural world
Christianity models hierarchical, authoritarian organization Christianity sanctions slavery
Christianity is misogynistic
Christianity is homophobic The Bible is not a reliable guide to Christ’s teachings The Bible is riddled with contradictions Christianity borrowed its central myths and ceremonies from other ancient religions
You see what you want to see and are taking things out of context. Here’s an idea ignore it. Every one here gets you don’t like Christians so don’t talk about it as it forces interaction with those you do not like. An as an aside you have never proven what you are saying with academic sources and still have not answered my science questions. I am getting tired of answering all you questions and debunking your statements and yet you have not answered one question posted to you. Answer my Science questions and I will continue to due the same for you if you are interested even if you just want to see if you can trip me up.
LOL need me to post them again I will just let me know. ie one was about the big bang and the other was centered around the complexity of the composition of atoms to for things such as us just to jog your memory.
LOL. I never said that I don’t like Christians. I just think they are lost in the sauce. Religion caused more deaths in this world than any little gangsters will.
If you read my reply to Cedar Beams you would see that there isn’t one question in there. Dispute those 20 points!
Hit me with your science questions again. Science! Ah yes! Science, that thing that is totally missing from the bible.
@arrogance! So all those starving kids in Africa sinned and that’s why god won’t save them? Makes no sense! Why didn’t god stop the gulf spill? What? Were the fish sinners too? God can do anything right?
Wouldn’t you save your children? You wouldn’t just open your front door and leave them to do whatever they wanted and if they are bad you think they should die. Makes no sense. Your remixed boox is just a form of mass control that can’t control the masses. Prayer won’t work in the streets. Kicking @ss in the streets will!
No Man did all of you above rant. God gave us free will. He wants us to chose him but the choice is ours. Dude for everthing you try to suggest there is an answer but I am starting to relise that you do not think of yourself as having any responciblity in it at all do you. Please stop dissing something you do not know about. You have brought it up in almost every thread. Those who suggest pray aren’t talking to you. For you replace pray with meditation or to ponder for a long time on the problem. K
LOL note I never dissed you or your belief. I am guilty of being a bit defensive but I do get where you come from as I said been there done that.
LOL maybe I’m dissing something that I do know about. There is an answer for everything. I have an answer for you, you have answer for me. We’re right, we’re wrong! I’m not the only one dissing it. It’s cool for a christian to say ONLY GOD CAN SAVE US but it’s not cool for me to say HE’S NOT SAVING ANYBODY! Maybe if people left their beliefs out of conversations about real life we wouldn’t be ranting at each other.
Cool!
Yes I agree people are pushy as I stated before as a Christian I have a duty to inform that is all the choice is up to those who hear the message. As far as he is not saving anyone we will only ever know that at our end then ultimatly we will know who was right and who was wrong if infact it did even matter any more.
LOL Peace
PPL put their beliefs in EVERYTHING that they say and do in REAL LIFE, regardless of whether or not the same belief is held by the person sitting next to them or not. That is why some ppl will jump out of an airplane believing that the parachute will open for them and others will not, believing that the parachute is unreliable. EVERYTHING WE DO AND SAY IN real life is based on what we belief!
last statement should have been believe not belief
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO ADD THAT I HAVE CAMERAS ON MY HOUSE IF YOU GUYS KEEP COMING UP OVERVIEW HILL KILLING PPL. WE ARE GOING TO CATCH YOUR ASSSES ON CAMERA. WE HAVE YOU ON CAMERA. KEEP THE F OFF MY F’N HILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS YOUNG MAN WAS HEADED TO A VERY PROMINENT FIGURE’S HOUSE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH GANG ACTIVITY! PPL WE MAY FINALLY SEE SOME CHANGES WITH THIS MURDER.
Solution = shoot’em all and let GOD sort them out ???
1. Parents do your jobs – question your kids!
2. Bring in help from overseas
3. Establish CCTV EVERYWHERE ….. it has proved to be effective
Come on my brothers and sisters
Let’s not waste our time
We got to move together
Let’s synchronize our minds
A prayer for you
And a prayer for me
Let’s live in love and harmony
Only love can set us free!
@ Unconventional wisdom- Wow out of everything i said you choose to pick apart and attack the very last suggestion. (pathetic) Which if you read carefully instead of running your mouth off you will see i stated they are a waist unless the high definition CCTV cameras are purchased. (Technology enhances daily) Let me put this to you, We currently have CCTV cameras posted in various parts of the island already correct? Why haven’t they been helpful in identifying people an bringing them to justice? Because its a very low resolution used to capture and the captured images still more often times then not create reasonable doubt in jury members minds. I will not slander insults about your intellectually strengths/weakness but you might wanna think before you speak as the same can be applied to oneself.
@ Show some respect to each other says- Thank you very much. I shouldn’t have even responded but some how felt the need to. Thanks for reading and understanding.
http://www.beyondtheshadesofgray.org/
The Father Wound is so named because of the fact that this type of wound is almost always inflicted upon us at the hands of our fathers, or by a significant, male role model. Our mothers can of course also wound us in similar ways, or they can further deepen the father wound. But this happens far less frequently.
A father wound cuts deeply into the soul of a child, and it hurts deeply. And then it continues to hurt us in ways that are more dehabilitating to our adult lives than we ourselves usually recognize. And so people don’t realize that homosexuality is a very real symptom of their hurt and pain, rather than the solution that they so often embrace homosexuality to be.
As children, our fathers are usually the first and most impressionable role models of any image of God that will ever be given to any of us, apart from Jesus Christ. And therefore these significant, male role models have within their power the ability to free our hearts to rise to our true image in God’s likeness, or to deal our hearts a crushing and crippling blow. And they also have the ability to clarify or distort the image we’ll have of God as the Father, apart from eventually coming to truly know God’s character toward us.
We’ve all heard the childhood saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me?” Well, perhaps not physically. But I think we’ve all probably discovered how deeply words can cut us in other ways that have a very lasting effect. And so a father wound need not be something physical for it to become a festering wound of the soul.
When a major blow or a whole series of lesser wounds is dealt, this psychological and very spirit-felt “father wound” affects both boys and girls throughout their lifetime. It can manifest itself in many different ways, to include homosexuality. Other effects are bisexuality, sexual promiscuity, trans-genderism or gender confusion issues, rebellion, resentment, street-gang or criminal activity, alcohol and/or drug abuse, and also suicides, just to name a few.
This emotional wound is carried especially deep within boys, however, who then have a tendency to grow up into fathers who inflict an even deeper “father wound” upon their own sons and daughters. And once started, this troublesome cycle often repeats itself over and over again, from one generation to the next. It’s a trend that is readily visible in our world today, and it is destroying one of the core foundations of our American society: the Family. And recognizing this trend sheds new light in understanding the Biblical passages that tell us that the sins of the fathers are visited upon their children. Those passages are not saying that God is some ogre who is punishing children for what their parents did. What they are saying is that we do this to ourselves, whenever a parent unknowingly allows their own internal suffering to affect their parenting, and thus they pass that internal suffering on down into the souls of their own children.
In little boys, the wound strikes deepest and hardest at our sense of strength, which is at the core of our heart, in our true identity as men created in God’s image. And while little boys are left wondering, “Do I have what it takes,” the deep question of a little girl’s heart is, “Am I lovely?” And she wants to know, “Will you pursue me? Do you delight in me? Will you fight for me?” But the father wound says to her in its own devastating way, “No, you’re neither desirable nor beautiful. And no one will pursue you or fight for you.” In fact, these two very common, engendered voids are both traceable clear back to the Garden of Eden.
@Lissa! Nothing is traceable to the garden of Eden because it never was. Find it for me please! I need a location.
To the one who blathered about opinion vs. fact, as if everybody agreed it was a threat, please consider this viewpoint. And about 10 more from different angles.