$214,000 Donated In ‘Cash Back Programme’

November 6, 2014

Earlier today [Nov 6] Premier Michael Dunkley presented $214,000 to five local social and sporting organisations as part of the Government’s Cash Back For Communities initiative, where confiscated assets are redistributed to charitable and community organisations.

The Premier was joined at today’s event by Minister Wayne Scott, Minister of Community, Culture and Sports, Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva, and the representatives of the five sports and community organizations receiving donations.

The distribution amounts are as follows:

  • North Village Community Club — $24,000
  • Pembroke Hamilton Club – $24,000
  • Team StreetSafe – $33,000
  • Focus – $33,000
  • Family Centre – $100,000

Speaking at the event, Premier Dunkley said, “Good morning and thank you all for coming. Today [Nov 6] we mark an important milestone in the ongoing effort of so many people and organizations around the Island who are committed to addressing the social consequences of gang violence and anti-social behaviour.”

“This Government promised to support these efforts. It started with our election campaign pledge in 2012 to create a “cash back for communities” initiative where we could put the proceeds of crime, seized by the Police, back into the communities. After the election, the Ministry of National Security worked with the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance to amend legislation to make this possible.”

“In June of last year, the House and Senate passed the Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 2013 which allows for payments to be made from the Confiscated Assets Fund to further the programmes of a community-based organization or sports club that are related to youth development, sport, area improvement, community improvement or infrastructure improvement.”

“Since that time and through various administrative processes we come today [Nov 6]to make the first presentations of funds seized as the proceeds of crime which will be presented to the organizations represented here. Their work in these various areas is well known, valued and respected.”

“I am grateful to North Village Community Club who agreed to host this event today [Nov 6]. This Education Centre and the excellent programmes run here by the club provide a great example of impactful community programmes targeting young people with positive messages through sport.”

Cash Back For Bermudians

The Premier continued, “The same can be said of Pembroke Hamilton Club who likewise provides an impressive network of youth support across various age groups.”

“Established community organizations like The Family Centre and Focus Counselling Services often do the silent, critical work that provides the support to families and individuals who need to break the cycle of a destructive life pattern and through their engagement in the community, many lives are saved.”

“Lastly, Team Street Safe is at the grassroots level in affected communities, working with young men and women to present viable alternatives to the gang lifestyle. Their intervention and assistance restores hope to a generation this country needs fully engaged for our future success.”

“There are many demands on the public purse and it is impossible for the Government to meet every request for financial support. However, the people elected us to find solutions to the needs of the community. We promised a means by which to channel funds into areas affected by gang violence and harmed by crime.”

“Today we make that promise a reality,” added the Premier.

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  1. Raymond Ray says:

    Thanks once again to the One Bermuda Alliance for keeping focused and for keeping to their promise…Also to each of the recipients and other organizations not mentioned for their dedication in helping the Islands less fortunate…

  2. Well done and may the continued support continue as the work that all these charities and social clubs do, is the very work needed to keep us moving in the right direction.

  3. smh says:

    Everyone will gather and cheer….but will happily ignore who truly got this ball rolling!

    Hint: It wasn’t Dunkley, nor Craig.

    • Billy Mays says:

      And who do you think that was, exactly? OBA got it done in less than a year. PLP had 14. Explain.

      • smh says:

        The Proceeds of Crime Act was initiated under the last National Security Minister of the PLP. Explained.

        • animallover says:

          So, why wasn;t it implemented then?

        • Sad says:

          Yes but the amendment by the OBA allowed this to happen. Explained.

          Do you really think that your beloved PLP would not have commented and tried to take credit for this if it was really their doing?

  4. Kangoocar says:

    Congrats OBA, for putting the money into things that will actually help the community!!! One does have to ask though, does anyone know where all the $$$$ from proceeds of crime went under the plp government?????

  5. Appreciated says:

    Thankyou OBA!

  6. theObserver says:

    Yes this great that the government has given money to social programs. However, where did the government find this money in there budget after crying poverty?

    • The Fact says:

      It’s from the “Proceeds of Crime” aka money confiscated from criminals. Not from the government’s budget.

    • Toodle-oo says:

      Can you not read ? It’s confiscated assets.. you know , like the proceeds of crime ? smh

    • Skulduggery says:

      Not so observant are you.

  7. Unbelievable says:

    A fresh idea. Well done.

  8. MoonShine says:

    The Womens Resource Center should have gotten some of this money!

    • Billy Mays says:

      For better or worse, that’s hardly the bottom of the well.

  9. young1 says:

    and some of the money could have gone back into Government’s scholarship fund that was cut.

    • Kangoocar says:

      Oh!!! You mean the scholarship funds the OBA was forced to cut because your plp left NO water in the well????

  10. wondering says:

    Hope this money isnt the money they are deducting every month from governmeent workers

  11. wondering says:

    Another thought if they can confiscate all this money from crime I wonder how much more money they have confiscated in the past

  12. Prayerful says:

    Could not the Family Centre’s share have been divided a bit. After all they do receive a healthy government grant as a registered charity, don’t they.

    • Creamy says:

      Their grant was slashed in 2012 by the anti Bermudian PLP.

  13. bluebird says:

    It is nice to her that the “CRIMINALS” are giving back to the community.
    through the police ofcourse

  14. Rhonda says:

    the Abuse Center weren’t pro OBA enough,,,hold your breath they are still looking for ways to help”

  15. Leanne says:

    Where does the remaining funds from proceeds of crime go? Because I know Bermuda confiscates way more money then $214,000 per year. We have more community organizations that could use financial help, not just that we need to make more money available for start up business grants and small business development, not just sport charities and sporting initiatives all the time. I’d like to see us invest in Bermudas economic future by empowering the people, helping them to help themselves. Break the cycle of entitlements. Let’s give people hand ups and not hand outs.