OBA’s Baron: “Committed To Dealing With Crime”
Former police officer and UN Peacekeeper Jeff Baron — the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Pembroke South East — spoke out about the recent shooting in the area, saying he is committed to dealing with crime in the constituency.
At approximately 10.20pm on Tuesday [May 22] a 51-year-old man was shot multiple times in the Rambling Lane area of Pembroke. He is presently in hospital listed in stable condition.
Mr Baron said, “Residents of Rambling Lane, Fentons Drive and Curving Avenue and I have met throughout the past 48 hours to discuss the ongoing investigation into the recent shooting in this community.
“Over the last few days, the Bermuda Police Service has been working around the clock to monitor this disturbing incident and to coordinate with witnesses and residents about a way forward.
“During meals and doorstep conversations, I have urged members of this community to work with each other, with the police and with community leaders in any way they can to assist those in need of support.
“Meanwhile, I think all Bermudians should give thanks to the tireless work that’s being done by the Bermuda Police Service, Crime Stoppers Bermuda and the residents of Pembroke South East who stand up and offer assistance to their neighbors shaken by this violence. They represent the very best of our island and its values.
“I wish to extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. His suffering and the suffering of this neighborhood is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats of retaliation and continued violence. These actions violate our norms, our way of life. This violence must stop,” continued Mr Baron.
“In volatile situations like these, it is imperative that we as a community speak with one voice, and that must be our focus. The PLP candidate for this constituency, Rolfe Commissiong has just expressed his condemnation for this shooting, and at his swearing-in ceremony His Excellency, Governor George Fergusson sent a clear message that gang violence was an ‘immediate challenge’ for the police and community to tackle.
“I share these feelings and acknowledge that crime and the fear of crime will, for the time being, be a challenge for Bermuda and here in Pembroke South East. As I’ve said before I am committed to dealing with crime in this constituency. I will continue to foster relationships with the residents to take ownership of their deepest concerns and problems – big and small.
“I will continue to engage the central community action teams and investigators of the BPS and I will continue to take time to talk to those involved in the gang subculture here in Pembroke South East. Without knowing the specifics and depth of gang violence, we cannot realistically begin to manage it.
“This is not simply a concern of Pembroke South East, however. The entire island is watching. Bermudian families living or studying overseas are watching too. The change that needs to take place in this neighborhood will be driven by an engaged and empowered community.
“As one resident who heard Tuesday’s gunshots asked me yesterday, “Am I still shaking? I can’t tell anymore. I live in constant fear.” Security is both a feeling and a reality – and the two are not the same. We need to continue to work with the various agencies that actually make us more safe and secure.
“And I will ensure that an equal amount of emphasis is placed on making this community feel safe and secure, through positive engagement and promoting social crime prevention programs.
“The feeling and reality of security need to be present again in Pembroke South East. They are both critical for empowerment. And, they are both critical for those residents who can no longer sense when they are shaking in fear,” concluded Mr Baron.
I know I should be focusing on the story but my word…..he’s cute!
Just looked over my wife’s shoulder and asked – “what’s he saying” She had no idea – hadn’t gone past the picture! You’re not alone!
But what this guy is saying makes sense, engage the community and let them stand together against the violence.
Count me in too. WOW!! yummy…
damn… OBA is looking good..
I know your talking about your wife, but you sounded like a woman writing this or maybe your a woman posing as a GVT Mechanic. Either way you sound gay if you a man. I work at the BUS garage and none of we soldiers talk like this!!!!!!
Stop posing as a Gvt Mechanic and change your name to Sibble.
I agree. I would vote for him —-wish he was in my constituency !!
Lol I was thinking the same thing
well said Jeff!! 100% agree with this course of direction. well done mate
GQ
He’s lovely – gets my vote and doesn’t matter what he says…….
I see that most of the posters here can see past the superficial!
And if the shoe was on the other foot….
Damn he’s fine!
We all know that the primary cause for the escalation of crime in Bermuda has been the PLP’s “soft on crime” stance. We’re in charge now, so it’s our turn to have our way and do what we like. It started with “don’t you know who I am” so don’t book me for parking/speeding, etc. Recall, they renumbered the GP cars so the cops would know them! Then came darker tint, softer sentences…etc.
Another reason to boot this incompetent lot out and get back to some real values.
That is the stupidest statement that I have read all day. I really hope that your statement is meant to be a joke. If not, then you are seriously disconnected from Society if you think the rise of crime has anything to do with the PLP coming to power.
I’m pleased that Jeff has the WOW factor!
Seriously, I wish to offer my prayers to the family and community.
There is a relationship between crime and the environment. Jeff witnessed this while serving in Kosovo where he converted a ballistic wall into an artist’s canvas (full story bernews may 7). Along with other measures, the remediation of the Pembroke Marsh will provide this community with the feeling of being valued as it will in the constituency (#15) that I will represent.
Jeff has not only practical experience in fighting crime but also has a Masters degree in Criminology.
Too bad he won’t get to use it. And you well know Scott that a degree doth not an effective politician make…
Time for Jeff to ditch the unbuttoned shirt, soft porn look and get himself a credible mug shot.
He may look like Clark Kent , but , he’s no superman and we no longer have phone booths .
He’s more like spider man and his spidey sense has already told him he will loss come election time. Jeff you better get Craig hmmm not Craig he’s the puppet! Get Gibbons and Dunkley to move to one of their safe seats. : )
Um sorry is this some sort of twat photo for a young and the restless audition? – Come on OBA sort your PR out you muppets, this guy is running in gangland and he he’s trying to look like Piers effing Brosnan. Even James Bond wouldn’t have a chance in this neighborhood and that’s against a convicted gun totting man. Regardless of the semi working class background with his cop roots how on earth do the OBA expect black Bermudians to vote for this guy?? Even if they were setting fire to each others houses these people would still vote for PLP. Even if the PLP guy robbed their own house they would vote for him as that’s how much they hate white folks.
That’s freaked up, but it’s the truth. I know Jeff and he’s a good guy.
Mr.Dunkley why don’t you run in this area? What do you have to loss, you already made all your $$$$$$$$$$ money with the nice milk and eggs all we Bermudians buy each week.
If you were really serious about winning the next election you would have put the new black & white members in safe seats. Then the rest of the old boys from the old UBP could have been placed in the rest.