Premier, Minister Address Christmas Day Murder
[Updated] Yesterday [Dec 25] Premier Craig Cannonier and Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley visited the family of Malcolm Augustus who are deep in mourning after Mr Augustus was killed early on Christmas Day.
The 20-year-old was shot on the St George’s golf course just after midnight, and a 24-year-old George’s man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Premier Cannonier said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with young Malcolm’s family at this time. The circumstances surrounding his tragic and untimely passing have shocked and saddened all of Bermuda. I urge all Bermuda to remember this family in our prayers and do all we can to bring this community together.”
Premier Cannonier continued: “The Government regards such acts with extreme concern and will move with urgency to follow through on its commitment to put in place programmes to stop the shootings. We simply cannot continue to have young men getting shot to death.
“The shootings destroy families, weaken communities and violate the very spirit and promise of Bermuda. The Christmas Day shooting reminds us we are in the grip of a national tragedy that will require a profound community effort to end.”
Minister Dunkley added: “This senseless killing underscores the need for all sectors of the community to unite in this fight against violence and anti-social behaviour.
“The Government will lead this initiative with support of targeted enforcement by the Police and urgent implementation of a working Ceasefire model that turns our young people away from destructive lifestyles.”
Minister Dunkley continued: “Like the Premier, I ask everyone to remember this grieving family in their thoughts and prayers. They will need our support.”
The Minister also noted that a full investigation by the Police was underway and urged anyone with information to come forward to assist.
Update 5.55pm: A PLP spokesperson said: “The Progressive Labour Party is saddened by the shooting death on Christmas morning of young Mr. Malcolm Augustus. It is our fervent hope that those involved in this crime are brought to justice. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Augustus during this difficult time.”
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Programmes? How about some hard-core penalties? How long will it take for these programmes to work? Maybe it was just a figure of speech but I don’t like that word-it sounds like going around to the schools and talking to young people or something like that. We need stiffer laws and the like to snuff out this crap.
On another note, I was listening to our new premier on the radio Christmas Eve. I only caught the tail-end of it, but he was speaking about the different ministries and the ministers who were appointed. Mr. Cannonier kept saying “WE decided to do this’ and ‘WE decided to do that’ in regards to who was put at the head of these ministries. I’d like to know who the ‘We’ are. Mr. Cannonier needs to start saying “I decided to do this or that’ because he is the premier! Saying ‘WE’ gives the impression that these aren’t his decisions. Of course, every leader has advisers but ultimately they say ‘I’ this or that. People will scoff and say this isn’t a big deal, but it is. Mr. Cannonier alone is the premier and the buck stops with him-he needs to be held accountable and speak with authority as leader. Stop with the ‘We’s’ and start with some ‘I’s’ or it will only give credence to the idea that he is a mere figurehead being controlled by someone else behind the scenes!
(P.S.-I am an OBA supporter!)
Do you not think “WE” is more inclusive? Like maybe he asked others for opinions, analyzed the options, and then came to a conclusion?
@Keturah: Normally I would say that, but not in the context that he used it. When making appointments, the premier should not be saying “WE decided to do this or that.” It’s good that he discusses these things with advisers, but the ultimate decision is his. In leadership roles-especially politics-it is better to say “I” to convey a sentiment of authority and decisiveness.
As I said, I’m an OBA supporter and I am not trying to pick on Mr. Cannonier but as our new leader, he needs to be aware of these things. There are certain times when he should say ‘we’ as in ‘We all need to work together to get Bermuda back on track.’ If he speaks on behalf of himself and Cabinet, it is perfectly fine to say ‘We decided on this…” However, the leader shouldn’t say something like “We decided to appoint so-and-so to Cabinet”-he should say “I decided to appoint so-and-so to Cabinet”… There’s a big difference in the two-sometimes using ‘we’ just comes across as weak, indecisive, uncertain and wishy-washy….
But if he kept saying ‘I’, ‘I’, ‘I’, then we’d be wondering if he takes input from others in his party. I’m for inclusion when it comes to making major decisions.
@Raw Onion: Can you not read? I said in certain circumstances it’s appropriate and in certain circumstances it isn’t. For example, if he is speaking on behalf of Cabinet it is appropriate. If he is speaking of decisions made as Premier, it is not. Of course he takes advice, but one is elected leader for a reason and should speak as such. With other world leaders, you hear them saying “I have decided to do this or that” in most instances. They have advisers, but they say “I” because they are the leader and the buck stops with them.
I am speaking of the context in which he was speaking. He was asked questions and was wobbling a bit and kept saying ‘We’ and at one point didn’t know the answer to something pertaining to a ministry and said he had to check which made it appear that the information provided was not his own but something that he was reciting. I know he has just started in the post, but it did not give me a very secure feeling and I kept wondering who the ‘we’ was. I was reminded of the fact that he is accused of being a figurehead and even as an OBA supporter, that instance have credence to that view.
Bermudians are not known to be deep thinkers or mature political wise so I don’t suppose most people will understand my statements. The bottom line is that he and he alone is the leader of the country and he needs to start sounding like it and start being a little more aware of what he is saying.
Stop talking rot. We is much more powerful and professional. I is very much overbloated ego, because if a leader says I, it’s personal, not professional. Dictators and losers say I. Remember there is no I in TEAM.
BTW, Raw Onion-I highly, highly doubt that ANYONE would think a world leader who says “I’ doesn’t accept views from their party. President Obama is a Democrat, but when speaking he says “I have done this or that” even though he has a party and a multitude of advisers. He is the President and he is in control. It isn’t narcissistic when the leader of a country speaks that way-it is a sign of decisiveness and authority. It is extremely immature to think that taking charge and doing what you’re put there to do means one isn’t listening to their party. Gosh, Bermudians need to grow up!
One of the first signs of true leadership is something called PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY. Google ‘leadership personal accountability’ or read this article for starters:
http://michaelhyatt.com/leadership-and-accountability.html
@Welcome To Earth: Harder penalties will not work as long as they think they can get away with it. Harder prison time will not get to the core of the problem.
@Oh Please: So what do YOU suggest??? These guys aren’t scared to go to prison-they know they’ll do a few years and then get out. They know it’s not that bad and unfortunately we have a prison’s commissioner who is too soft on these guys. We need to make prison such a miserable experience these guys will never want to come back, and so word spreads that it is not a place where you want to go.
The problem I have with ‘programmes’ is that they take a long time to work. They can implement them, of course, but alone they’re not enough. Maybe they can help the next generation coming up but what will they do for a gang member? Will they even join such programmes? Programmes work on people like drug users-I don’t see how they’d help a gang member.
I don’t claim to have all the answers and I know that some of these guys aren’t afraid of anything-not even death. However, I think stiffer penalties (start with making life mean life) is a start.
Oh for crying out loud, the man just got there so give him a chance. Although he says “we”, this simply indicates to me that he realizes that it will take a team effort
If you support the OBA – then support the OBA!
It is people like you who don’t know what you want.
A good start Mr. Premier.
And I am a PLP supported who want more for our country
Though it is not the answer but to read that the Premier and Minister Dunkley visited the home of the family should show that change is happening and things will be done differently.
As the Government steps forward let’s all do the same because this is something they can’t do alone.
Just for reference, Premier Cox and other PLP Ministers regularly did reach out to families of the victims. I’m not saying this to disparage Premier Cannonier or Minister DUnkley, but I don’t want the narrative to imply that this was something different.
Not 1 member of the PLP visited my family when we had our lost, however 2 for OBA did and sat by the bedside!! The PLP forgot who put them in power “WE” the people did!! Please do not attempt to lure me into an argument over this because I WILL NOT be challenged I am only STATING a KNOWN FACT unlike HEAR SAY!!! My heart goes out to Mr. Augusts’ family because the worse put of ALL these killings is when they take you down to the morgue to see your son laying on a slab with blood that was not all cleaned off! This image wakes you up in the middle of the night, causes you to cry when people come to visit you, when the media call to interview you, months later when you are angry at HOW you had to lose your loved one! The tears flow in the shower, on the birthdays, the 1st holiday: Christmas, Cup Match, Labour day etc.
Bermudians I plead with you to change your hearts, to speak up, girlfriends tell the truth, mothers be honest – you know more then you are revealing to the police!! Can we STOP the NARRATIVE of which side they were on, what they did for a living and start asking yourselves how many times did I NOT report suspicious activity, how many times do I ride by a single mother at a bus stop who with limited education is struggling to raise 1,2,3 or more children with absent fathers – they need help and direction – NOT JUDGING!
Happy NEW YEAR Bermuda
Please…the plp where there first…I know cause I’m family……
Not to worry !
I hope the people of Bermuda can handle the OBA’s anti gang laws when they kick in.
Trust me somthing is in the works.
Example: Anyone who is known to have affiliation with any anti social illegal organisation [ Gang ] must wear an identication GPS bracelet and must report all were abouts 500ft outside his residential area.
Example 2: any known person known to be a gang member home/dwelling/apartment will be serched at any time and several times as the security services of Bermuda sees fit.
Example 3:every known gang member must submit his or her DNA.
Example 4: all persons having afiliation with such Gang members be it
Mother/Father/Siblings/teacher/pastor/Wife/Husband/are liable for Questioning by the Security sevices.
Example: anyone who is a gang member or a member any illegal anti social organization or group must be labled as [1] a Terrorist [b]an enemy of Bermuda thus could be hunted down by the Police/Army and Killed
provided that the evidence supports such actions.
Example: any known gang member must have Passport,Vehical licience,removed until the police deem that person fit to have them back.
Example: any Perent who fails to report any gang member or gang activity is liable and could recieve up to 5 years in prison.
THIS IS WHATS COMING BERMUDA – LIKE IT OR NOT!
And the problem with these ideas are. ?????
Looks like harassment of gang members, even if by association. Nope. No problem with it at all. Take a policy of zero tolerance of them. The message will get through real fast.
The days of being soft on crime are over. Any problem with that?
All bull$hit….keep dreaming bra
How do you know this or are you just making things up and assuming?
@Skippa-Sorry but I don’t see ANYTHING wrong with any of those ideas! It’s about time, I say! If you aren’t associated with those people, then you have nothing to worry about.
I’ve always said that I don’t get how when someone is murdered, only the ones who actually pulled the trigger or drove the getaway vehicle are charged when all the gang members planned it. As far as I’m concerned, that makes them all accessories to murder-yes? Therefore, drag them ALL into court and lock them all up!
Drastic times call for drastic measures and I’m sure they’re not going to go around harassing innocent people. The police know who the gang members are but their hands are tied. The police need to be given greater authority and they do need to go kick some doors down and keep these guys on edge!
All right-thinking members of society will see NOTHING wrong with these measures!!! These measures don’t scare me…I only hope you’re right!
Hey, these are great ideas. Get them in place right away.
You do understand that the majority of law abiding citizens think these measures would be a good thing right? Too many freedoms afforded to criminals in this day.
Those are too harsh my friend. So you are saying that if I went school with a gang member and was talking to him in a shop about back in the day, for socialsing with him I too should wear an akle bracelet?? Thats how you’ve worded it.
Wow skippa seems to have the inside track on OBA crime strategy. I didn’t think the PLP had any money to pay trolls anymore.
@Skippa the people are waiting and want harsher penalties that is why we voted in OBA.
We have seen what being soft on these guys has done,it has created a warzone.
People have been saying from the beginning of the shooting that we need an all swat team / clean sweep operation asap but it never came, hopefully we get it this time.
They can still try their prevention methods on the younger kids but in the meantime they need to hammer out an all out clean sweep first.
It should be so shocking and so relentless that it would even shock us as Bermudians that the Gov has taken these measures.
They have the right people in power now who will roll up their sleeves and get the job done.
These shootings and this ruining of bermuda has to come to a stop, I dont care how they do it just stop it!!!!
If you do not have anything to hide then you have nothing to worry about.
Good and when they start kicking in doors to get these scums I don’t wanna hear these a$$ holes complaining. Something has to be done. Grandma if you know little Johnny has a gun don’t wait for the authority’s to kick down the door report it to them. You are regarded as an accessory to the fact.
There you go Skippa,
I dont know if your comments are from an inside sourse within the OBA or simply some ideas that you were throwing out there to solicit some sort of positive or negative feedback. But the people have spoken and are willing to do what it takes to take this island back from the people who are hellbent on ruining this islands reputation.
And if they and their supporters have to suffer the indigity of being uncomfortable in what law enforcement have to do to ensure the well being of this island for ALL of us. Well they will just have to get over it.
Time for a Revolution against crime.
More Laws of the type you mention, will not necessary stop or prevent Gang Violence. As tough as you believe these laws are, they will not do it. This is because you and the OBA have failed to look at the underlying reasons and factors of gang violence. If a person wants to commit a crime they will find a way, everyone knows this. In fact there may be a more damaging reaction by the gangs in reaction to these supposed plans of the OBA. It is also likely to be great push-backs.
Nevertheless, I want this issue resolve like everyone else, but this approach may be way off-the-mark. We have much to do to address Gang Violence, but not sure such laws will work, as they have not been successful in other countries. I think if they would have gained such success, the PLP would have put them into place a long time ago. Until we accept Gang Violence is not a quick fix, nor is the solutions quick, we will still face the horrors of such violence. This law proposed by the OBA, did nothing to decrease gang violence in other countries, and even in the mother country gang violence remains an issue.
@ dthtoo incase you decide to spread venom i am here to rebuke you and clear this place of any germs you might bring
I say parents if your children are gang banging turn them in they has to options death or jail!!!
Skippa dream on. Those things will never happen. Change in government will not see those strategies undertaken. The authorities cannot break the law to enforce the law. As much as we would love to see these things happen, they quite simply won’t be…
Mr Cannonier & Dunkley the people of our island have spoken, we have given you a mandate to stabilize and stop the madness by any means necessary. We heard all the talk from the previous government and that’s all it was, talk! We are fed-up with talk! Do not fall in step behind the previous administration, it will not work. Stop talking and do something!
I think he is referring to the Ceasefire program which the OBA has been talking about for a few years. It is operating in Boston and has reduced gang activity. I say get on with.
The prisons are fun places, why should these gang members get upset if they have to go there for shooting someone. Get rid of the Colonel and get someone who knows what he is doing. Lets stop talking and do something for once.
Skippa God made a good decision in not putting a tail on you. You would have been an insult to the only beast that held a conversation with a human.
Have two options!!!!!!Death or jail!!
Nah, that would make you no better than them. Killing for self or killing for the law, in what light is either of those ok?
No sense knocking me Jango!
I’m only making predicting what laws is going to take place.
and these laws will be put in place not because of the comments I’ve made but for the people who murder people because of gang related activity which is not a good thing for Bermuda.
Prehaps you would like the Govt.of the day to sit back and do nothing like the PLP was doing.
Craig, Michael. Like many posters here I voted for you because I believe we needed fresh ideas. What’s apparent is that the economy, unemployment, term limits/IB relations, tourism etc – whilst all a mess, are transient. Our future isn’t. The message above is clear, a hardline is needed, whatever it takes, please – forget civil liberties, if you do no wrong why do you care about cameras, random police stops etc, do whatever you have to do to lock these punks up. Gangs have to go, seriously, kick some doors in, Skippas ideas aren’t so crazy, we’ve all had enough of this sh_t.
Fresh ideas are great, but are they workable ideas that will make a significant different. I think not, but I will hold them accountable.
the Courts need the 3 time loser law.
the power to lock these scumbags away for the rest of their miserable life with no hope of parole.
Anyone caught sheltering these snakes should be charged too.
I don’t care who it is.
The Prison System needs a C o P that knows what he is doing…
not some dreamer than hugs them and calls them nice young boys.
E.L. is useless!
Why do you blame the government its not government fault we as bermudians need to start taking responsibility and hold you child accountable for their actions
Why do the government have to fix this problem
We as people need to stand up against this bullsh*t going on
its simple turn your son if his a gang member or wait until your son died and want someone to help you or feel sorry since your son is died
Living the life as a gang member is brutal and its three way out of it
Jail prison or death so young man choose wisely
Sick and tired of this happening
I was thinking the same things as @Skippa
Somthings got to be done.
@Skippa’s ideas are not his ,he is only repeating stuff that was mentioned before in the news meadia thats been brought up several years ago.
but i’m glad that it was mentioned.
ANYBODY ELSE HAVE ANY IDEAS!
All
Just a note – we live in a civil society. The sustainable answer is for all of us that are aware of any illegal activity to report it. Remember also that the Governor is responsible for operational policing. Therefore no matter OBA or PLP, teh governor will have direct input on any change in operational strategy by the Police.
As unfortunate as this comment may seem, the recent murder shows the fallacy of the OBA pre election promise (especially Dunkley) that they will stop the shootings.
Some of the above comments also show how short sighted we have become. The primary preventions for murder and violence are in the home. How many people for example are benefitting from the proceeds of crime and yet get upset when one of their loved ones become a victim?
Lets start to be collectively honest and do our part, one person and one family at a time.
If it’s a “fallacy” that the government has some control over crime, why did Jonathan Smith take credit for the crime rate in August 2012?
What article in what news outlet?
Um Bernews…seek and ye shall find.
Only said that because not even he has complete control. The Govenor is absolute my friend!
We,I,you,me,they,them thought the story was about something else geez. What needs to be done is the gangs need to be crushed the political will and testicular fortitude have to be there for that to be done. Everyone seems to know who is alligned to who and who hangs out where what bars they frequent ect. Time to step on some toes for the good of the country going forward, none of the past “programmes” have worked and only one programm is viable the, crushing fight the fire with fire programm. When the message is sent forcefully that BS will no longer tolerated watch the results, until such time prepare for more of the same.
I saw the Premier of Bermuda walking along Reid Street today.
How refreshing.
gettum ,,gettum ,,, OBA will clean up the streets of Bermuda
@ Vote for Me: “As unfortunate as this comment may seem, the recent murder shows the fallacy of the OBA pre election promise (especially Dunkley) that they will stop the shootings.”
These shootings have been going on for how many years? The OBA has been the government for how many days? Did you expect overnight miracles?
You sound as if you are just looking for things to complain about. Take a break, please.
No Pastor you don’t get it, the oba gets elected and the problems just fix themselves, didn’t you read the platform? (*sarcasm* for the slow ones) Like Mr. Premier puts on a bat suit and has a stupid detector.
@Pastor sly, Mr. Dunkley did say that as soon as the OBA wins, we will see no more shooting. Vote for ME is only pointing out the promise made by Mr. Dunkley, your leader. He indicated that PLP was the reasons for the shooting, and this was a bad political point he used to gain votes. This is a fact, so let’s not get it twisted. This was sad that he would use it to make such a political point. So folks have the right now to hold the government accountable and ask why a shooting took place, after his promise it would not. Please stop with your rant, as it is miss-placed.
More Laws of the type you mention, will not necessary stop or prevent Gang Violence. As tough as you believe these laws are, they will not do it. This is because you and the OBA have failed to look at the underlying reasons and factors of gang violence. If a person wants to commit a crime they will find a way, everyone knows this. In fact there may be a more damaging reaction by the gangs in reaction to these supposed plans of the OBA. It is also likely to be great push-backs.
Nevertheless, I want this issue resolve like everyone else, but this approach may be way off-the-mark. We have much to do to address Gang Violence, but not sure such laws will work, as they have not been successful in other countries. I think if they would have gained such success, the PLP would have put them into place a long time ago. Until we accept Gang Violence is not a quick fix, nor is the solutions quick, we will still face the horrors of such violence. This law proposed by the OBA, did nothing to decrease gang violence in other countries, and even in the mother country gang violence remains an issue.
Pastor sly, Mr. Dunkley did say that as soon as the OBA wins, we will see no more shooting. Vote for ME is only pointing out the promise made by Mr. Dunkley, your leader. He indicated that PLP was the reasons for the shooting, and this was a bad political point he used to gain votes. This is a fact, so let’s not get it twisted. This was sad that he would use it to make such a political point. So folks have the right now to hold the government accountable and ask why a shooting took place, after his promise it would not. Please stop with your rant, as it is miss-placed.