Politician’s Statements on Today’s Murder
[Updated with Minister Weeks and Minister Scott's statement] In the wake of the tragic shooting death of a 29 year old man in Mangrove Bay Somerset this afternoon [Feb 4], Premier Paula Cox, joined community sentiments in condemning this latest shooting, extending her condolences to the victim’s family and urged people top assist the Police.
The Premier said, “The cycle of violent behaviour continues to permeate through our community and another life has been lost. We certainly extend our sympathy to the family of the young man who has died.
“Our community must understand that we will continually suffer until we foster a no tolerance for crime and demand that perpetrators as well as those who enable them are held accountable. Only a rebuilding of respect for human life and the rule of law can restore a sense of well-being to our home.
“We all play a part; the Government in a pragmatic, focused way and citizens in their willingness to come forward with what it is they know. We have witnessed a community coming together in Trinidad where the Government and Opposition joined one another and agreed on reinstating harsher punishments.
“This Government has taken a zero tolerance stance on crime, resulting in successful prosecutions and convictions. There is heightened police visibility and an ongoing discussion to ensure our Corrections’ system it is not welcoming but rather a strong deterrent.
“Beyond the punitive, we remain mindful that implementation of intervention strategies that save those who may be at risk is essential so that we can divert people from a path of destruction.
“Together, we must stem the tide and I urge you once again to help law enforcement bring those who have committed this shameful crime to justice.”
The Police have appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information to contact the Serious Crimes Unit on 295-0011 or the independent confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477.
Update: Acting Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said, “First and foremost I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. It is terribly disheartening that we continue to experience these wonton acts of violence, which has resulted in yet another senseless death. What makes today’s incident particularly disturbing is that it took place in broad daylight, in a community where people were going about their daily routines.
“I understand that the investigation is in its very early stages, and I want to assure the Bermuda Police Service that this Government stands firmly behind them and will ensure that the necessary assistance and support is provided to them so that they can bring the offenders of this heinous crime to justice.
“Finally I want to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may have any information about this afternoon’s shooting to please share that information with the Police. If you wish to share your information anonymously, you can do so by calling the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477) or via the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimestoppers.bm.”
Update #2: Statement from Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Michael Scott: “After a welcomed lull in gun shootings the tranquility of Mangrove Bay has been shattered by a gun fatality similar to that which have left other parts of our community traumatized. I offer my sincere condolences to the family of the young man who has lost his life and urge persons with information about this incident to contact the Somerset Police.”
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- Murder: 29 Yr Old Shot Dead in Somerset | Bernews.com | February 4, 2013
Why do police cars etc still speed to the crime scene an hour after the crime when there is 20plus officers there already ???
I think it is because no matter what the police do there are citizens who have an inherent hatred for authority and law and criticize the police more than they criticize criminals. So the police must speed everywhere to annoy them so they can go to bernews and post nonsense?
I agree!
It’s comments like this…no. It’s more the mind frames like this that are part of the problem. We can’t seem to come together as a community. Too many people are quick to critique the police or even joke about it.
Bermuda as a whole is not equipped to deal this violence. The laws are not effective enough and everyone is solely relying on the Bermuda Police – the same Bermuda Police who the public are so quick to criticize rather than help out.
The Government either needs to step up surveillance (since the public refuse to help) or the citizens of Bermuda need to get involved.
Idk maybe they were following a lead on a person(s) involved in the the crime!! Find something better to do then criticise the police because they are do everything they can to find the shooter!!
Are they really?? What proof do you have of this?? Or is your statement coming from blind faith??? Facts people, stick to the facts and stop turning a blind eye and you will see the wrongs on both sides of the fence. Remember, the world is in the hands of the wicked!
Maybe they have info about a suspect.
Nah. Just something to do. This brings a new meaning to ‘Demise’; recorded this date “7:09pm”
Paragraph 4 speaks for itself.
What does paragraph 4 state?
Comments welcome.
What part of paragraph are you on about? The part of the ruling party & opposition working together for the common good of all? Naaa—never happen here. Too many egos which need to be kept inflated.
We all know the neccessary steps that have to be taken to reduce crime but talk is cheap !!! Live in singapore or cuba where I’ve lived and you’ll understand.there are deterents that prevent and reduce crime. Let’s toughen up all around but be professional about it !!!
I mean this in a curious way, not critical. What were the most effective deterents, in your experience?
Someone should crtitique the Premiers speech…too long the speech(written by someone else) should be quick and to the point. These shootings are putting the nail in the coffin for Tourism.
My mistake Captain Drifter. Paragraph ’5′. Zero tolerance.
Besides the Police being on the front line dailey what other departments are taking this stance, or is it just another speech written by her chief of staff.