Minister Wayne Caines On Cup Match Holiday
While there was an incident at Paradise Lakes and a total of 48 arrests over the holiday period, it was “largely a respectful and safe summer break,” Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said,
Minister Caines said, “Cup Match is an iconic event and for most Bermudians it is the longest holiday weekend. Apart from the cricket match, there is a lot of revelry, but also rest and recreation for many hard working Bermudians.
“I’m glad to say that while there were some unfortunate incidents, our people largely had a respectful and safe summer break. And that makes it a huge success.”
The Ministry said, “There was an incident at ‘Paradise Lakes’ which is being investigated by the Bermuda Police Service [BPS]. It involved a stabbing and injuries to two people, who were treated in hospital and released.
“Police have reported a total of 48 arrests over the holiday period, including 12 for suspicion of impaired driving.
“But Minister Caines pointed out there were a number of events involving large crowds of people having fun that occurred without incident.
“They included the Cup Match event itself, major concerts, Beachfest, the Raft-Up in St. George’s and the Non-Mariners event in which hundreds of boats were present.”
He said, “Considering the amount of people, there were very few incidents. We must thank our emergency service personnel. We see them as ‘first-responders’ when there is an incident, but we forget they are on duty – away from family and friends – during these holidays when the rest of us are having fun.
“They are on duty at all manner of unsociable hours to protect and serve us. They include people at the hospital and ambulance service, our firemen and people responsible for maritime safety. And there are many others.
“In particular, I must congratulate the Bermuda Police Service, because I believe a robust policing plan for the holiday helped set the tone and reduce the number of incidents faced by the community.
“The increased police presence was evident with 150 police officers on duty over the holiday, while a strong maritime presence included the BPS and the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
“And our emphasis on alcohol awareness, we believe, won widespread community buy-in.”
Another wasted breathing summation by Caines.
Voice op.
It amazes me that for generations Paradise Lakes has been a quiet respectful location until a few years ago. A certain group of people have chased away the quiet bunch and gathered there with their people to which has blared their music to the point of disgrace to everyone in the area. They ride in & out at high speeds with the jet skis, they initiate violence against one another. They totally disrespect everyone in the area. Very sad to say the least.
Paradise lost.
I wonder if this is another example of OJ’s two Bermudas that he’s always on about ?
But of course we can’t state who it is. Although we all know.
Did anyone play crown and anchor by bitcoin? Boydontmakemeroar!
Paradise Lake used to be so nice and peaceful since it’s been occupied by a difference bunch it’s no longer a nice place to raft up. The loud music and gang related episodes have taken over. Pathetic to say the least.
Um….48 arrests is quite a lot of arresting. And a fight in Paradise Lakes? I can see a skirmish but for the Police to attend and the Minister of National Security to comment on it is a big deal.
Not a very “respectful and safe summer break” after all.
48 arrests . . . . but ‘largely a respectable and safe summer break’?
It’s the PLP version of the facts. Down is up, up is down.
I and others can not believe what Caines said !!!!!!!!
I think a breakdown on the ,48 arrested would be helpful, i.e 23 on warrants ,,16 drunken driving 7 for theft folks would like to know if certain types of a tivities are riding. ,,I would have liked to have seen a number of uniformed officers at key junctions on the Wednesday afternoon before Cup.Match ie Four at the Aquarium.Two at Collectors Hill , Two at the Paget Lights Two at the Rubber Tree ,Two at crowl lane
They didnt mention the few brief rain sprinkles over the holiday we need more transparency