Police, Regiment Combine For Cup Match Security

August 1, 2012

A joint effort between the Bermuda Police Service and Bermuda Regiment is aimed at deterring any of the criminal element that might seek to disrupt the Cup Match holiday with acts of violence and criminality.

Police Officers, Reserve Police and the Bermuda Regiment will be on duty inside and outside the Somerset Cricket Club grounds throughout Cup Match as well as providing patrols at Beachfest at Horseshoe Bay. National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief said they “are planning for the worst, but expecting the best.”

“In addition to our partnerships with the Bermuda Reserve Police and private security at Somerset Cricket Club and other event locations, this year will see the Bermuda Police Service building on our existing partnership with the Bermuda Regiment,” said Superintendent Martin Weekes.

“For the past three years the Bermuda Regiment has been assisting with police patrols on the water. This year the partnership programme will be extended to the provision of reassurance patrols around the Cup Match festivities at Somerset Cricket Club and the Beachfest at Horseshoe Bay.

Superintendent Martin Weekes continued: “It should be noted that this is not the first time that such joint working has occurred on land, as the Bermuda Regiment has in the past provided uniformed soldiers to assist with stewarding the Bermuda Day Parade.”

A statement issued separately from BeachFest said: “This year for the first time in BeachFest’s history there will be a combination of police, regiment and G.E.T. Security on the sand for duration of the event, as we are committed to enhancing safety measures to ensure an enjoyable, memorable and safer experience at the event.

“In addition to the more robust security presence, we have employed measures such as not providing a bar facility at the all-day event on Thursday, and are further discouraging attendees from bringing glass bottles to the beach.”

Gavin Smith, Executive Director of The Chewstick Foundation, said “We are proud of our five year incident free track record at BeachFest and although 2011 saw two minor incidents, considering the scale of 12,000 people from all different backgrounds, I am still proud, and grateful for the opportunity to upgrade our safety plan to meet the new demand. BeachFest is designed to serve every facet of our community to combat social segregation and bring people together from a variety of backgrounds and from all over the world.”

The Cup Match week has had an incident already, with a shooting early this morning [Aug 1] in the area by John Smith’s Bay on South Road. No one was injured.

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Comments (7)

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  1. Triangle Drifter says:

    A sad state of affairs in Bermuda. All this extra security to prevent lawlessness over the biggest holiday of the year.

    How far Bermuda has advanced in recent years!

    I spent July 4th holiday in a very busy state park campground. Other than the occasional routine park ranger, no special security was seen.

    No loud obnoxious music, no drunk people either.

    • Captain Obvious says:

      Are you really suggesting that over the July 4 Holiday in the US that there isn’t an increased police presence.? What state do you live in? Alaska? I think even there they realize that people (not just Bermudians) tend to consume alcohol a little more than usual. Countless Riots in your perfect US after football games, baseball, basketball. you have got to be kidding with your country righteous banter.

  2. Man in the Mirror says:

    @ Triangle Drifter
    You my friend have drifted a bit too far towards that Bermuda Triangle
    Your should reread your second last paragragh.

    Just because you didnt see and special security doesnt mean that they were not there.

    Bermuda unlike the US, Canada and UK for that matter, doesnt have an unlimited supply of officers that can be pulled from various agencies during hightened events.

    When was the last time you spotted a Marshall on a plane, but i can bet your bottom dollar, they are there, flying daily on just about every major airline that enters the US.

    If more Bermudians stopped putting a bling eye to crime and banded together with the Police, there would be no need for the Minister to be in the news every other minute, annoucing extra security measures.

    Stop, pause and reflect.

    Enjoy your holiday

  3. Future says:

    What will soldiers do that the general public cannot? It isn’t like they are strapped.

  4. Itsfiveoclocksomewhere says:

    Difference is that the general public aren’t willing to step up to the plate. How do we know they aren’t strapped. I know, i wont try to find out..

  5. Triangle Drifter says:

    MitM, sorry but you really need to experience what I am talking about. I have lost count of how many state campgrounds that I have camped in. I have never experienced poor behavior. Rules are enforced. People know the consequences of poor behavior, .

    • Been there done that says:

      u shallow minded guest worker. When is the last time you have been some where other than polnt shares.. Bet you would even entertain trouble. Sory you dont know what it looks like.