Minister: On Conscription, Marijuana, Gangs
[Updated with video] Conscription will be eliminated and the Regiment preserved, Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley said at a press briefing this morning [Nov 14] to expand on his Ministry’s Throne Speech initiatives.
He spoke on a number of topics including anti-gang measures, mandatory ID checks when serving alcohol, elimination of conscription, discussion on the decriminalization of marijuana, the 10% discount on Wednesdays by the major supermarkets and more.
The Minister said, “Two items in the Throne Speech have predictably stimulated some public discussion.
“The first is our promise on the elimination of conscription and the second, of course, is the intended discussion on the decriminalization of marijuana. Let me address each in turn.
“Can conscription be eliminated with a simple legislative amendment? Of course it can. Is that responsible? Of course not.
“No-one can question my commitment and that of the Government to the elimination of conscription. However, the timeline to do so will not be dictated by personal frustrations or single issue campaigns.
“There is a responsibility that comes with governing which is harmed by over-simplifying issues or allowing oneself to be caught in a wave of political expediency,” continued the Minister.
“Conscription will be eliminated and the Regiment preserved. It will happen this session and the timelines will be set to reflect the future requirements of the institution and not any version of its past.”
The Minister continued, “With respect to the marijuana debate, as the Throne Speech indicated; it is time for leadership on this issue. This discussion must emerge from the shadows and be research-driven and public.
“Since my original comments on this issue I am pleased to advise that I have been approached by a cross section of young people in Bermuda who are prepared to give of their time to examine the issues and to prepare a report from their perspective and incorporating the views of the general public.
“I will announce them in due course but they will be a bipartisan group focused on producing some useful analysis to form part of the discussion paper.
“Too many lives have been unbalanced by a criminal conviction for insignificant amounts of marijuana. Considerable resources are expended in prosecuting cases that could be better disposed of without any court appearance.
“More importantly, our drug policies have hardly evolved since the Misuse of Drugs Act 1972 was first introduced. After 40 years, it is time to look at how we deal with these issues.”
Minister Dunkley’s full statement follows below:
Good morning and thank you for coming. This Government’s agenda for the renewal and recovery of Bermuda is founded on making our community safer.
The Ministry of Public Safety hit the ground running after last December’s election and the Throne Speech of February 2013. Each initiative we undertook has been delivered or will be implemented before this calendar year ends.
The task has not been easy but the team within the Ministry and the various departments have worked hard to deliver on our promises to the people of Bermuda.
Today, I wish to highlight some portions of the Throne Speech which will positively impact the lives of people in Bermuda.
As the Bermuda Police Service continues the strong enforcement that has seen significant reduction in crime, we have a responsibility to provide alternatives to the gang lifestyle for our young people. The “call-in” procedure mentioned in the Throne Speech is one such strategy.
Using the Operation Ceasefire model, the Inter-Agency Gang Task Force is working on a best practice call-in version for Bermuda. We will engage community and moral voices to directly challenge those men and women who are on the cusp of exiting the gang lifestyle to choose work over crime, families over gangs and education over just “getting by”.
This process must be backed by resources and so we also intend to make good on the “cash back for communities” promise we made. This programme already has the legislative foundation after the Proceeds of Crime Act was amended earlier this year.
It is now time to put the money where our mouth is and so dollars from the Confiscated Assets Fund will be firstly allocated to support Team Street Safe in their gang mediation efforts.
Their mandate includes providing alternative opportunities to those who seek to transition out of the gang lifestyle. Funds will also go to Focus Counselling and the Family Centre who are on the front line of family intervention and assistance.
Modernization often requires a culture shift. The implementation of mandatory ID checks as well as the duty to ask for proof of age when serving alcohol is ingrained in other countries and we must make this careful approach a part of how we manage alcohol use in Bermuda.
I am pleased with the early indications of support from the owners and operators of licensed premises and I look forward to working with them to make the Liquor License Act 1974 a better, more user-friendly piece of legislation.
Two items in the Throne Speech have predictably stimulated some public discussion. The first is our promise on the elimination of conscription and the second, of course, is the intended discussion on the decriminalization of marijuana. Let me address each in turn.
Can conscription be eliminated with a simple legislative amendment? Of course it can. Is that responsible? Of course not. No-one can question my commitment and that of the Government to the elimination of conscription. However, the timeline to do so will not be dictated by personal frustrations or single issue campaigns.
There is a responsibility that comes with governing which is harmed by over-simplifying issues or allowing oneself to be caught in a wave of political expediency.
Conscription will be eliminated and the Regiment preserved.
It will happen this session and the timelines will be set to reflect the future requirements of the institution and not any version of its past.
With respect to the marijuana debate, as the Throne Speech indicated; it is time for leadership on this issue. This discussion must emerge from the shadows and be research-driven and public.
A considerable amount of work has already been done by the Department for National Drug Control and our aim is to collate that research and release it in a comprehensive form for the public and members of the Legislature.
Since my original comments on this issue I am pleased to advise that I have been approached by a cross section of young people in Bermuda who are prepared to give of their time to examine the issues and to prepare a report from their perspective and incorporating the views of the general public.
I will announce them in due course but they will be a bipartisan group focused on producing some useful analysis to form part of the discussion paper.
Too many lives have been unbalanced by a criminal conviction for insignificant amounts of marijuana. Considerable resources are expended in prosecuting cases that could be better disposed of without any court appearance.
More importantly, our drug policies have hardly evolved since the Misuse of Drugs Act 1972 was first introduced. After 40 years, it is time to look at how we deal with these issues.
Lastly, let me briefly turn to the announcement regarding food prices and the 10% discount to be offered by participating supermarkets.
The Premier asked me and Minister Fahy to engage supermarket owners in meaningful dialogue to devise a way to help people in these difficult times. Over several weeks we discussed how to achieve this.
In some cases, people understand that we are setting the stage for a recovery in the economy and that rebuilding the promise of Bermuda will take some time. But where everyday needs are concerned, the help must be immediate and impactful.
We believe that we have achieved that with the introduction of a doubled discount for customers on a day when people already plan to shop or buy certain items.
I wish to thank each of the supermarkets and their management teams who came to the table completely recognizing that people were hurting. In our discussions, there was never a question of “if” but only “how”.
I look forward to tomorrow’s debate on the Throne Speech because I believe that the Government’s vision for Bermuda is one that is inclusive and one which is determined to rebuild and restore this country.
Thank you.
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Articles that link to this one:
- Eight Former Regiment COs Back Conscription | Bernews.com | December 10, 2013
- 2014 Regiment Recruit Camp Gets Underway | Bernews.com | January 12, 2014
- PLP “Renews Pledge To End Conscription” | Bernews.com | January 12, 2014
- Marshall’s Submission For Regiment Reform | Bernews.com | January 20, 2014
- Former C/Os: Consider National Service System | Bernews.com | March 13, 2014
Conscription should have been years ago!
it serves NO purpose as many other countries have found out.
Well done PLP, for bringing this bill forward. I love the fact that you are a working Opposition, and I look forward to hearing and reading more bills put before the house by the Opposition in the near future. I think it will reveal for sure if this OBAubp government are serious about “Collaboration”. Keep pushing and working on behalf of the many folks whom supported you and continue to support the party. I am most proud of this recent step.
Thanks of such brilliant comments by those who also seem to be in favor of this bill. I think it was a great opportunity for Human Rights to be addressed in an collective effort of Collaboration by both political parties. Seem now like a mere missed opportunity by the OBAubp to prove just how serious they are when they throw out the buzz words…TRANSPARENCY, COLLBORATION & INCLUSION> are they just that Buzz words for folks to hear?
Keep pressing on Opposition PLP, I look forward to your efforts, it will pay big in the future. The big payback is near !!
that was a typo on Trumps part,
it should read
The big pay check is near !!
((which,btw,will NEVER happen,the plp had their chances over and over again,all the plp did was take whatever they could for themselves and spend out of the public purse until there was nothing left.They totally let the common people down that they lied too over and over again.
in your own language…
Ya Finished..now git crackin! ))
“The big payback is near !!”
THIS IS WHY YOU AND YOUR PARTY WILL NEVER GET BACK IN AGAIN
IT’S LIKE A COMPETITION FOR YOU.
disgusting….how much they pay you to type that B$?!?!
After reading your post Betty, it brings home (again) why the PLP were never serious about education. The PLP were suppose to mold young black minds into critical thinkers. But that didn’t happen because they wanted people to buy the hateful BS you put out there.
should read: eliminated years ago…
((I hadnt had my 2nd coffee!!))
Lets hope that instead of mandatory Regiment service some sort community service will be required by all for a period of time between the ages of 18 & 25.
There are plenty of charitable organizations, the BPS Reserve, seniors homes, KBB/hurricane cleanup, St Johns Ambulance, Big Brothers & Sisters etc. which could use the help.
You never know, exposure to these organizations could lead to more than just a required period community service for some.
Um you know that BPS Reserves, Fire Reserves, and St John’s Ambulance are already alternatives to Bda Regiment, so if you name shows up in the paper you do have the time to join one of these orginations instead.
to get rid of one mandatory service only to implement another is defeating the whole purpose- no one should have to be forced to do any service or we will be in the same position we are in now- and what would be the consequences for not showing up? and if these are young people how would one punish them? it always goes back to punitive measures. Lets just get this over with and call it a day.
Well now, I see those who have no interest in serving the place that gives them a home outnumber those who see nothing wrong with serving.
I wonder if those who do not want to serve also turn down free education, trash collection, social assistance etc.? Nah….never happen. They think they are entitled to all of that.
Get on with it mike.
These people conscripted are in the system, being paid et al.
It takes time.
Can’t just end it and throw them under a bus……………….(if you can find one on a route).
Shalom.
Neither serves any purpose other than to the people getting fat checks working there.
It remains to be seen if this is just talk. Making Marijuana legal or whatever will not benefit those who oppose making it legal. Conscription should have been banned a long long time ago. If you wanna be told your a momas boy and what to do and when and constantly being put under the regimentle fanactics control? Then go and volunteer.
Remember when hurricane Emily hit the island? Who was out there clearing the roads, digging pole holes, helping people cover their missing roof tops? Bermuda Regiment, let’s hope we have no more disasters like Emily!
Correct. And when we get rid of conscription who will be doing it? Oh yeah… THE SAME BERMUDA REGIMENT. What part of NOT get rid of the regiment don’t you understand. Instead of paying tonnes of people for training year on year as recruits, why not have a smaller, yet more professional regiment well versed in all the duties that they should require. Save costs related to training new recruits, put that into salaries, and in the process CREATE jobs for Bermudians who actually wish for a type of regimental career.
OK, when during camp are they taught anything about chain saw handling or how to most efficiently pack a truck with debris?
Next time put guys under the direction of landscapers or construction foremen & watch the work get done clearing roads & getting temporary cover on buildings.
The regiment holds optional specialist courses in all of those.
Spoken like a true soldier. But do tell…are these ‘optional specialist course’ participants the only ones to clean up after a hurricane? No..didn’t think so.
It’s amazing to see the amount of people that see nothing wrong with this. I am CONSCRIPTED to cut trees and pack a truck. We use a MILITARY to pack trucks and clean up debris. The times they are a changing… We nah need di military.
ummmm yes dey do! we do all dat so pipe down TD.
Yeah I was out there. and i was not in no Bermuda Regiment. I am Bermudan and dont need no one to tell or force me when somthing needs doing.
Nice double negative usage; so you weren’t out there and do need Regiment to tell you to be out there?
Can somebody explain to me why Bermuda actually needs a military force?
amongst other things….
Disaster efforts both here and overseas,
Internal security assistance as required (e.g. civil unrest, terrorist threats)
Ceremonial duties on the visits of Royalty,
Remembrance Day parades (lest we forget),
Boat patrols in territorial waters,
Protection detail for His Excellency,
Tourist attraction and entertainment, e.g. Beat Retreat……
Agreed, there is a need for the Regiment in some form. Nice to have for ceremonial functions. Visitors, especially Americans, love the Military.
For most of your other reasons listed, no, those duties could be done by the BPS or a more active & enlarged BPS Reserves.
Keep the band, though these days it seems to be a shadow of its former self. There are those who like things military & would enjoy being part of a drill squad. Ever watched a USMC drill squad? Amazing! As for the rest of the Regiment as it is today, completely unnecessary to be anywhere near its current size IMHO. The money could be spent much more productively elsewhere.
Why did they not go to Haiti,and no mention of going to the Philippines,yet, 6 days in.
The answer is we don’t, but people have a hard time letting go of control and power.
The discussion on drug law reform/repeal should not be limited to decriminalization which is merely a stall tactic, does nothing to address the issue in it’s entirety and is no solution .The Minister has voiced his opposition to legalization publicly,he then limits dialogue by framing “meaningful discussion” according to his opinion and then claims decisions will be research based when the “researchers”(NDC)are staunch proponents and defenders of the failed war on drugs.Maybe the young people reporting from their perspective won’t be too fearful of positive change to present a balanced view despite years of indoctrination by the anti-herb misinformation campaigns and the pressure to be politically correct.By the way it’s beyond due time, introduce them and lets get in gear.
You are oblivious. It is a serious government effort to properly legalize marijuana. There are more important things to deal with…
Like what?
Mandatory community service for males and females from 18-25 would be a real win-win for the youth and everyone else too.
Then that would be conscription cicada.
How else would they know.
Lord have mercy.
And what is wrong with having to give some time, albeit at a minimum wage, to the community where you live for a short period of your life?
So will we see girls locked up at Warwick Camp with the boys when they refuse to show up? Who will oversee and run this program? I see a problem and think we would be opening up a can of worms with the parents if we try to be punitive with the young people. Stop forcing our young people to do service- all schools have mandatory community service attached to graduation requirements, that is enough already.
The people that graduate from Bermuda highshcools already do community service before they come out it’s not just young people that need to help… As a community yu shuld get together n help
Of course people can question your commitment dunkley. You wouldn’t even debate the PLP’s Bill.
If you were really committed, you wouldn’t be defending your non democratic actions today!
Shame on you (But more shame on BAD for their stupid no vote campaign)
Preferable to the slap happy, ad-hoc, knee jerk approach to legislation we suffered under the PLP. No thanks.
The Regiment is our insurance policy for Natural Disasters (see Philippines at the moment) and civil disorder. Having a body like the Regiment (and other countries have them eg. US National Guard) is important if not vital. You have insurance for the unexpected.
My question is:
If we cannot staff the Police and our birth rate is decreasing, where do we find the extra volunteers for the Regiment?
Why pay a regiment that will get used at most once every 5-10 years when we can use that same money and pay for extra police that will be used every day? Train the extra police for riot control and all will be good.. The only difference being that when there isn’t civil disorder (i.e. never) we arent throwing money away. A military isn’t needed to clean up from hurricanes…a volunteer force is.
be like Israel everyone serves. PRO REGIMENT and ANTI MARJUANA. I having served would fight for my regimental colors. This is where those 2 punks that allegedly robbed the 76 year old lady need to go.
Those two punks deserve to go to prison- not the Regiment
Just to let you know Israel is years ahead in cannabis research and they certainly are not anti “marjuana” as you put it.In fact elderly war vets are using it for a variety of complaints.Those two need to go to jail not straight into weapons training and the art of war.
The Regiment should not be a dumping ground for criminals, misfits etc.
The reason everyone serves in Israel is because they are in a constant state of war. There they don’t fight for some waving flag they fight for the men & women next to them & what they think is right. This is why Israel is such a powerful nation because they give their all to helping their people.
Cannabis is decriminalized in Israel & the country is one of the most progressive in the medical research & treatment with it. Possession of small quantities there rarely leads to arrest & the authorities quietly support the selling & growing of their own over citizens buying what’s grown & sold by their enemies.
The Minister was correct in regards to conscription.
No Effin Way!
We did the right thing by not voting.The results will be seen now though.
What a refreshing change.
A govt you can trust to do the people’s business.No conscription in England,no conscription in Bermuda.
The PLP did nothing for the poor and struggling as they took care of friends and family.Now we have the opposite,a govt confronting issues that affect us all,with reasoning and belief.
Minister Dunkley,keep up the good work.We were fed up with empty promises and lies!
Great speech and hopefully you all noticed the phrase “in this session”? The only thing to add (if you can) would be to retroactively implement the decriminalisation legislation to those who have that as their only criminal record from the past. We probably cannot rescue all, as many may have gone further down a criminal path, but lets at least reach out and throw a lifebelt to some.
Keep pushing Minister Dunkley
The time has come to legalize. End the gangs, crimes, drug-dealing profit. It will make our tourism boom fourfold. Bring in money to Government too.
Do it!
Decriminalize, don’t legalize…. And no it will not put an end to gangs and crime.
RE Bda Regiment/conscription…..The late Maj. Thomas Godet once was I/c of Bda Regiment Reserves…..If the popular Maj. Curley (ret.) was to be involved with a similar entity – Regiment Reserves…Well trained, experienced and mature former female and male members of the Regiment could very likely fill the numeric void when conscription is abolished…
Minister Dunkley, the gangs are sustained through the illegal drug market, majority of which is marijuana. Decriminalization does nothing to help this. Legalization would in fact severely cripple Bermuda’s gangs. The demand for hard drugs in Bermuda in tiny compared to the demand for marijuana. Most of the gang money is from marijuana, not hard drugs.
We are tossed n driven on the restless sea of time n the nasty politics of the day is scarring every one that resides within this 21 by1 rock. I agree that there is a need to play catch up with the rest of the world, it most be done with diplomacy n NOT in a dictatorial manner..
Each minister that serves in the House has been elected by their constituency n must do or serve as expected. Each item should be dealt with as an agreeing unit n not based on one man’s opinion or thought. For far to long there has been to much bickering n disrespect among our politicians before the people that had elected them to represent them n we find many things going awry.
Eventually all these arguments will come to fruition like it or not. But for one man to toot his own horn because his position outweighs what he was elected to do for the good of the country, leaves a lot to be desired.
The people are looking for positive input n results that will edify, encourage n enhance the good nature we so rightfully deserve. To continuously play ” cat n mouse” will always leave a bitter taste among the people which will eventually lead to bigger n unmanageable problems that we don’t need.
These constant back n forth talks of doing this or doing that apparently isn’t holding anything feasible to the problems n issues that need to be addressed. All we get is a bunch of individuals that are not dividing the truth from doing it ‘their way” which has many “red herrings” n a crockpot of lies n deceit. How long will a 6 for a 9 be given before the real deal is recognized.
Our constant fighting doesn’t represent well in the eyes of our young n not so young people who are struggling to find out which road we are travelling. Perhaps constantly questioning why?
Decisions must be made to make sure we are inline with the rest of the world because Bermuda certainly IS NOT another world but if we don’t do the right thing we surely will be separated from the rest of the world because of a complacent governing government whom liken themselves to Frank Sinatra who done it his way. We can hardly afford to have governing officials do it their way n not the way it should be done.
OBA! UBP! PLP or any other P… It is not about what u want, but what this island deserves to make sure that down the road our up and coming youth will have something concrete to have when their turn comes to deal with the business of this island in years yet to come..
Stop the nonsense n get on with the peoples business n work hard to save our sinking island.
One man’s opinion does not make it right because of his beliefs n stand in society. We are not in a position of trust but to continue to devalue our rights could lead to things we least expect..
Our young folks may not have done all we expected them to do but sure enough they are observing the bad practices n inconsistencies of a lacklustred bunch of infighting men called politicians.
Where is this new day? What’s next???
Get a grip on a real… People are tired n irritated to the gill… How long? NOT LONG!!!
Change something for the betterment of this island n its people….
Come to far to turn back at any time…BERMUDA!!!
Question, legalizing weed means that you can have or purchase weed?
So where would it come from, i.e. what will be the source and is it legally imported/exported?
Who or where in the world exports weed legally?
Um you grow it like any other herb or vegetable. In a garden…
Easy Sara, just a question. So the ones that can’t go without our buy from private businesses licensed for growth and sale?
Was my post aggressive? I am reading it again and I don’t see it as aggressive but I apologize if you found it so. I don’t understand your second question fully but I think what you are asking is if someone can’t grow or doesn’t want to grow where do they get it? Bermuda has enough land to grow plenty of marijuana for local use whether it be for medicinal or if allowed recreational. It could be a huge boost to the economy and jobs market. HUGE
What would be wrong with a trial period? Legalize it for a period of so many years to see how what happens. We don’t really have anything to lose here.