Video: BPS, Agencies Encourage Safe Holiday

The Bermuda Police Service wishes to take this opportunity to advise the public on a number of matters to ensure a peaceful and safe time during this year’s Cup Match holiday weekend.

The Police Service will be conducting High Visibility patrols throughout the weekend. The intent is to deter those members of the public that might seek to disrupt this holiday with acts of violence and/or criminality. Patrols will be paying particular attention to incidents of public disorder, anti-social behaviour and weapons possession.

Those persons who are not deterred by the presence of the police and commit these offences can expect to be promptly arrested and delivered to the Courts.

The Bermuda Police Service received some very positive feedback over the last two years as it relates to the Service partnering with the Bermuda Regiment both at the Cup Match game and on the water.

The intent is to again have the Bermuda Police Service, the Reserve Police, and the Bermuda Regiment partnering at the Somerset Cricket Club grounds throughout the two days of play, assisting in directing traffic and conducting patrols.

We will also be partnering with other agencies including the Parks Department as well as security officers at the cricket grounds in addition to other venues to ensure a safe environment over this holiday weekend.

The BPS will continue to use CCTV proactively throughout this weekend. There will be extra CCTV set up by a private contractor at Somerset Cricket Club which will be monitored by both security and police officers.

I would also like to remind the public that on Thursday and Friday of Cup Match, road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect in the area of Somerset Cricket Club. We will try to keep disruption of the motoring public to a minimum.

As many of us are aware, locals and visitors alike take to the beaches and waterways as a form of relaxation and fun over the Cup Match holiday period. There is always a major increase in water related activities which include the use
jet skis; privately owned vessels; vessels hired from rental companies and chartered cruises.

In partnership with the Bermuda Reserve Police and the Bermuda Regiment there will be an increased visible joint law enforcement presence on the water.

Many, if not all, are aware of the Non Mariners Event Scheduled for this coming Sunday. This event attracts hundreds of vessels and thousands of spectators. I mentioned this only to remind the boating public that the Department of Marine and Ports has issued a marine notice to all vessels.

The waters of Mangrove Bay from Kings Point to the Watford Bridge on Boaz Island will be restricted to a 5 knots no wake restriction between 12.00pm through 8.00pm. Personal water craft [Jet Skis] are prohibited from entering the Mangrove Bay area East of Kings Point and the Watford Bridge.”

I would like to remind the boating public to ensure that their vessels are registered; that a current 2014 decal is prominently displayed on the starboard side of the vessel; that they ensure that all required safety equipment is on board; and that they are carrying enough fuel for the intended journey. It is also recommended that they file a float plan if they intend to go offshore.

Additionally, speed is an issue not only in maritime collisions but in the general nuisance factor that is experienced by boaters at anchor near the shoreline. The boating public is reminded of the need to exercise care and
caution around other vessels and to be on the lookout for swimmers.

To this end, the 5 knot – no wake areas will be strictly enforced in order to calm the marine traffic. We also encourage that persons do not mix any use of alcohol with power-boat operating or sailing.

Loud music complaints both in residential neighbourhoods and on the water are also a problem associated with this Holiday and we accept that the celebration of Cup Match brings with it a party atmosphere. We ask two things of the public: patience and tolerance on the part of the complainants, along with a display of respect and courtesy on the part of the subjects.

We encourage members of the communities that they live in to work together to keep the peace in the neighbourhood and avoid the involvement of the police.

The BPS would also like to remind the public to ensure their homes are secured when they are out, particularly if they are attending any of the weekend events or camping.

The Bermuda Police Service is advising businesses and their staff as well as residents to be vigilant regarding counterfeit Bermuda $100 notes bearing serial number 242219 and counterfeit Bermuda $50 notes bearing serial number
A1270899 currently in circulation.

If counterfeit cash is detected during a transaction, the person receiving the funny money should hold on to it, note the description of the individual who tendered it and contact police immediately.

It is a criminal offence to pass to another, possess, make or reproduce any counterfeit currency and those caught doing so can expect to be prosecuted.

We are especially asking Crown and Anchor vendors [operators] as well as anyone who operates in a dimly lit environment such as bars or nightclubs to be vigilant.

Suspicious circumstances regarding suspected counterfeit currency should be reported directly to the main police telephone number 295-0011 or via the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.

Our final message this year is to encourage everyone to exercise patience and tolerance. We appeal to the public, and in particular to those persons in the community who are involved in acts of violence, or anti-social behaviour,
to think about the Cup Match holiday and what it means to their community and to not spoil these events.

For the rest of the public I would also like to add if you see something that seems suspicious or just does not feel right, say something and we will respond.

On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, I wish the entire community a pleasant, enjoyable and safe Cup Match Weekend and I look forward to seeing many of you at some of the events taking place.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the media. Thank you to the Bermuda Police Service for inviting CADA to be a part of today’s press conference.

Our focus at CADA, encouraging responsible alcohol behavior, is to encourage the residents of Bermuda who plan to consume alcohol over the Cup Match holiday to put plans in place before they leave home so they can return home safely. We would like to ensure everyone has the information they need so they don’t drink and drive.

Later today you will notice signs and banners going up around the island. These serve as a visual reminder not to drink and drive. The message is simple, ABCD – Always use a Bus, Cab or Designated Driver.

Public bus transportation will be available to and from the game in Somerset on both days of Cup Match, or we encourage people to program into their cell phones the phone number of a taxi company or taxi driver, so when ready, you can call for transportation.

Another option is to select a designated driver who will not consume alcohol and will be responsible for driving. The important message is, if you plan to consume alcohol have a plan in place to get home safely.

These safety tips extend to those who are camping, picnicking boating, and partying at one of the many establishments offering holiday drink specials. It might be worth reminding everyone that it is illegal to served anyone who is visibly intoxicated.

Over the holiday period, there is usually a lot more alcohol easily available and consumed, I remind adults that it is harmful to give, buy or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. Underage drinking is known to significantly increase the risk of a young person becoming addicted to alcohol.

There is a lot of useful information and helpful tips for parents on how to talk to your children about not consuming alcohol at our website cada.bm.

Let Us Drive will be available this weekend from 3:15am through 3:45am, outside the LOM building. To-date this service has taken home more 11,110 person. Thank You, goes out to Lead sponsor Bacardi, Goslings, Burrows Lightbourne and the COH.

In closing, I invite anyone who is at Somerset Cricket field on the first day of Cup Match to visit the CADA stall where we will be giving away free water courtesy of our sponsor, Gosling’s.

CADA’s board and staff wish everyone a safe Cup Match and we look forward to an incident free four-day holiday weekend.

The Bermuda Road Safety Council would like to take this time to thank our safety partners, the Bermuda Police Service, CADA and the Somerset Cricket Club for their time and efforts leading up to Cup Match.

We have experienced tragic losses this past month on our roads – our thoughts and prayers are with both families as they mourn. We, as a community, must learn from these tragedies. We stand at a loss of eight lives on our roads so far this year – we must turn back this tide. We must commit to do better – we must think, choose, live.

Over this upcoming holiday season, we must adhere to the rules of the road, being mindful of our speed. We must ensure We fasten our seatbelts, child seats and helmets securely and correctly. We must do these things not just because it may save a life – but because it will save lives.

This Cup Match holiday, the Bermuda Road Safety Council, will highlight our message through banners and posters throughout the island. Our friends at CADA Will remind everyone of their alternative choices for transport, as
well as the BPS will play their role over the next several days.

Bermuda, you also have a role to play in keeping our roads safe during the Cup Match holiday. Ensuring that you maintain the speed limit, fasten your seat belts/helmets/child restraints correctly, and pledging not to drink and
drive will go a long way in protecting yourself and others from any unfortunate tragedies.

I would like to take this opportunity again to thank the Bermuda Police Service and CADA for their efforts. So Bermuda, as we prepare for Cup Match – the battle between the east and the west – let us remember to slow down and enjoy the holiday.

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