Good Friday Shooting: Gov Offers Free Counseling

In a swift response to yesterdays brazen daylight shooting of Kimwandae Walker during a family fun day, the Bermuda Government has announced that they are making counselling services available for adults and children who may have been traumatized by yesterday’s shooting incident.

Persons can call the Bermuda Youth Counselling Services number at 296-7548. All calls will be responded to confidentially and arrangements made for counselling.

Around 2pm during the Good Friday festivities yesterday [April 2] at Victor Scott field, two men on a bike wearing full face visors rode onto the field, jumped off and opened fire killing Kimwandae Walker instantly.

The victim was flying a kite with his two young children when he was shot, and there were dozens of other bystanders at the scene including numerous children. The event was a “family fun day” for the Good Friday holiday.

Minister of Social Rehabilitation Neletha Butterfield saying:

There is no more hiding from it. This was a brazen act in broad daylight in front of families and children. We have to deal with the issue.

This was supposed to be a celebration of Good Friday. Sadly however this has turned out to be a bad Friday, because of such a senseless act. It is important that people understand that this is not just a Government problem; it is a community problem from east to west. So please, let’s come together and bring peace to this country.

Acting Premier Paula Cox said:

This act of brazenness shows a total disrespect for life and such an act of violence against one is an act of violence against the community. We have received a full briefing from Acting Commissioner Jackman and Assistant Commissioner Wright, who are doing their due diligence in ensuring that all Police resources are directed to bringing the individual(s) responsible to justice.

We have witnessed a terrible tragedy today and those people who may know something need to come forward. So at this stage, I want to make a personal plea and encourage anyone with any information about today’s incident to please come forward and provide whatever information they know. I am confident that the Police are doing all that they can, and I want to assure the public that action will be taken.

Minister Zane DeSilva added:

Now more than ever I think that we have reached a tipping point, and Bermudians who are witnessing these brazen acts must come forward and speak up. I think it is time for residents to speak to the necessary people so that the necessary actions can be taken – because the time is now.

Area MP, Michael Weeks said:

I am calling on anyone who may have witnessed today’s incident to please come forward. If you do not wish to speak to the Police, then find someone who you trust and offer what you may know. Coming from a small community, we know who is responsible for these acts and I’m calling on everyone to do their part. I’m appealing to our community to tell what they saw. Please tell someone so that we can bring these people to justice.

#BermudaGovernment #CrimeInBermuda #KimwandaeWalkerMurder #Murders #NelethaButterfield #Shootings

Category: All, Crime, News