Minister On Gang Violence Reduction Initiatives
Speaking in the House of Assembly today [Nov 23], Minister of National Security Wayne Caines provided an overview of the work that the Gang Violence Reduction Team is doing in the community, including programmes in schools, prison outreach, street level outreach, the planned ‘Redemption Farm’ and more.
“The Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator, and the Outreach and Prevention Manager lead a mutli-agency effort to violence reduction,” the Minister said.
“The team operates from a coordinated plan to tackle gang violence and anti-social behaviour through a series of strategically designed prevention, intervention and rehabilitation programmes and initiatives.
“The ongoing gang related tensions in the community have not been ignored. Rather, this Government and the Gang Violence Reduction Team have been steadily working to coordinate resources to best address the issues and we are seeing results. ”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to highlight and acknowledge the important work that the Ministry of National Security’s Gang Violence Reduction Team continues to do in the community. Recently there have been suggestions that this Government has ignored the serious gang violence problem that continues to plague our island home.
In actual fact, Mr. Speaker, every day the Gang Violence Reduction Team is out in the community working to combat the risk factors that often set our young people on a path toward gang involvement and anti-social behaviours. I meet with the team regularly and have great confidence in the work they are doing.
Mr. Speaker, the Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator, and the Outreach and Prevention Manager lead a mutli-agency effort to violence reduction. The team is supported administratively by the Ministry of National Security Headquarters staff. The team operates from a coordinated plan to tackle gang violence and anti-social behaviour through a series of strategically designed prevention, intervention and rehabilitation programmes and initiatives. To this end, the team works in conjunction with the Inter-Agency Gang Enforcement Team [IGET].
IGET is a multi-agency working group that works to identify at-risk youth and develops multi-pronged mechanisms to mitigate violence and support prevention and intervention efforts.
High Schools
Mr. Speaker, since September 2018, the team has been working with the Administration and Student Services teams at Cedarbridge Academy and Berkeley Institute, alongside the Bermuda Police Service, to provide support services for at-risk students. The team visits the schools at least once per week. When necessary, this has increased to daily visits. The goal of this initiative in the senior schools is to provide: Incident Management Support; Mediation Services; Individual Student Support Sessions; and Group Sessions.
Mr. Speaker, this initiative has already seen several successes within the involved schools. The team has worked with the Department of Public Transport to develop transportation plans that get students home safely. In recent instances of increased tensions, the team has been able to go into the schools and coordinate mediation sessions between students involved in rival gangs. These interventions have realized a marked decrease in gang related conflicts at the schools and in the immediate after school hours.
Mr. Speaker, the hallmark of this initiative is the continued individual and group sessions that the identified students are invited to participate in. At Cedarbridge, the team is currently delivering a 10 week pilot Excellence Programme. The programme focuses on incident mediation, understanding risk levels, and encouraging self-reflection and introspection. Through these ongoing interactions, the Gang Violence Reduction Team is able to help these students realize their self-worth and see the many opportunities of self-improvement available to them.
G.R.E.A.T. Programme
Mr. Speaker, the team’s involvement with our young people does not start at the senior school level. Frequent interactions with the administration and guidance departments at our primary and middle schools have helped the team to identify potentially at-risk students and put intervention plans in place to ensure that these students steer clear of anti-social behavior. The Gang Resistance Education and Training Programme [G.R.E.A.T.] remains an ongoing tool used within the schools. The programme is currently rotating through all public Primary 6 and Middle 1 year levels. By June 2019, the G.R.E.A.T. programme will have reached all students in these year levels.
Prison Outreach and Street Level Outreach
Mr. Speaker, outside of the ongoing schools initiatives the Gang Violence Reduction Team continues its work in the community. In order to lower community tensions the team also focuses on Prison Outreach and Street Level Outreach. At each level of outreach the connections made and relationships built facilitate the reduction of violence in two key ways. Specifically, by directly mediating tensions and conflicts between individuals and groups that lock people into deconstructive cycles of violence; and by connecting the proven-risk population to much needed community-based programs and services.
Mr. Speaker, the team’s prison outreach provides support for incarcerated violent offenders with links to gang activity. Where appropriate, the team offers therapeutic services and liaises with prison staff to assist with developing long-term plans for the inmate’s rehabilitation. For these identified offenders, the team provides an affirming resource that takes special interests in the wellbeing of the offender and their eventual reintegration into society.
Mr. Speaker, the work of the Gang Violence Coordinator, Pastor Leroy Bean is high touch, highly confidential and sensitive. It involves directly working with persons who are currently involved or have been directly impacted by gang violence. As a result of the sensitive subject matter, it is not appropriate for the Government to provide detail on the particulars of this outreach work in order to protect the confidentiality and security of those individuals.
At the street level, Mr. Speaker, the team’s overarching strategy is to target individuals and groups who are known to be players in the cycle of violent behaviour. The team provides intervention through the formation of trust-based relationships that serve to deescalate and mediate tensions when necessary. A major component of outreach at this level is connecting individuals to neighborhood resources and making necessary referrals to case managers. The goal is to steer these young men towards pro-social activities by providing a range of opportunities for change.
Redemption Farm
Mr. Speaker, one such change opportunity is the so called ‘chicken farm’ attacked by the Opposition Leader in his Throne Speech reply. The Redemption Farm is still in the planning stages, and initially will not have chickens at all. The team had a successful meeting with the Bermuda Farmer’s Association to share the Redemption Farm plan. The Association has agreed to provide their support and assistance wherever they are able.
Mr. Speaker, scheduled to be fully operational in the 2019/2020 fiscal year, the Redemption Farm will provide successful engagement of at-risk young men in a socially restorative, incentivized employment training programme. The programme will be operated from a holistic approach and will arm participants with necessary vocational and entrepreneurship skills through various forms of farming. Additionally, case management services will ensure that personal development is also encouraged of those who subscribe to the programme.
Community Partners
Mr. Speaker, the Gang Violence Reduction Team’s relationship with community partners underscores much of the important work that they do. The team currently supports a wide range of community groups that align with the team’s aims including: Mothers on a Mission [MOM] Bermuda, the Clergy Working Group, and Living Legends Community Group.
Mr. Speaker, the work of the Gang Violence Reduction Team is important and should not be understated. The ongoing gang related tensions in the community have not been ignored. Rather, this Government and the Gang Violence Reduction Team have been steadily working to coordinate resources to best address the issues and we are seeing results. The team offers triage services and directly addresses the concerns of the individual or refers them to appropriate agencies.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the team for their work. However, Mr. Speaker, the team cannot do this work on its own. I encourage all of us who love this community to roll up our sleeves to assist with stamping the gang culture out of our island.
Parents and families must continue to be involved with their children. Churches must look for ways that they can support their communities outside of the church walls. Charities and sports clubs must develop strategically designed programmes that divert our young people away from anti-social activities.
Business owners must create training programmes that lead to gainful employment for these young Bermudians. Finally, Mr. Speaker, politicians must agree to support policies and legislation that aim to empower and elevate our marginalized young men.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Got to love the description of Beans role, high touch, highly confidential and sensitive, what a load of crabgrass.
Even under OBA the then Ministers of National Security complained about the difficulty of them doing their role because of the challenges associated with operational control of the Police being the sole responsibility of the Governor, our Queen’s representative. MP Caines, and all previous ministers have their hands tied, so any effort they make including Pastor Bean has to be supported. In fairness to the current PLP they are not promoting Dr Brown’s plan of a SWAT type police force team to kick off doors. Don’t know Pastor Bean and don’t want to meet him, but $100,000 to pay someone to intervene, support and negotiate with a group of young people (some with criminal backgrounds) who IB and the rest of us have left behind, seems a minor price to pay if he can have some impact.
Why should one man be paid all that money, he claims to be a man of god, whatever that means, he should “work” for free. As if hardcore second and third generation criminals who are stacking paper from the sale of mostly hard drugs care what some tax payer sponsored fairytale peddler has to say.
*Even under OBA the then Ministers of National Security complained about the difficulty of them doing their role because of the challenges associated with operational control of the Police being the sole responsibility of the Governor,*
Hey , does that mean that it’s finally sunk in that the OBA had nothing to do with pepper spraying anyone ? ?
Lip service.
Titty Milk and Chicken Farms!
does anyone seriously believe this nonsense this man is wailing on about.
At street level he is regarded as a joker and peddlar of lies.
What is surprising is his ability to keep a straight face when uttering this nonsense.
GET OVER the titty milk comment! It WAS NOT a big deal. He is one of the few minister actually doing something.
If you are so “connected” to the streets go do something about it instead of being a troll.
GET OVER jetgate! And Caines and Bean are so full of BS! Let’s have a prayer in Victoria Park……or how about a talent show?? The blind leading the blind…….
maybe in your opinion it is not a big deal,but your opinion compared to the rest of the world’s opinion really doesn’t count for much!
Even if it wasn’t a BIG DEAL, it was so incredibly STUPID that it will NEVER be forgotten. I mean seriously, how dumb do you have to be to post yourself making sexually harassing remarks to 2 women while at a sexual abuse conference representing the country and it’s people that you work for? You can’t make this up.
So yea, the Titty Milk name ain’t going away. He will forever be known as Titty Caines! And yea, it IS A BIG DEAL. #NoClassCaines
I beleive that the desire for an adult to consume breast milk is a deviation or perversion that can be treated with the help of a therapist. Perhaps he can get help.
Your not from the streets oba=UBP but your definitely one of the reason so many black families flipped and stop voting for your party. You got it so bad now the weakest man is the leader.
Sour Milk and Jean End got the boot for Craig Trump. LMAO.
It’s titty milk Friday enjoy your weekend LOL
Original!!
My eyes are wide open. 25 PLP to 11 UBP
@ Eyes wide open (the fake above)
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. To imitate someone is to pay the person a genuine compliment — often an unintended compliment.
Why are we spending Tax $$ on a place (farm)that is not being run by the Government.
When was the last meeting held to try combat violence it seems that only happens when incidents occur.
If Mr Bean wasn’t profiling in the Minister’s car GP 7 maybe he would get some things accomplished.
I truly believe Bean is on a witch hunt as he really hasn’t given us much since how long now
Another load of bs.
This guy needs to step down titty milk references are going to dog him forever.
Why don’t you step up and stop judging!
Minister Caines when they go low you go higher!!
Minister Caines you have a lot of people who appreciate you so continue to work hard for our community because hard work always pays off!!
Yawn, more hot air.
They need to lock them up, not start a chicken farm. FFS.
eyes wide open you are a coward and a typical troll,
I don’t know what streets you are referring to because that is very far from the truth.
Say your real name, show what you have done for this country.
Minister Caines- we stand with you, thanks for your hard work…
“Say your real name” @ izlandgurl
oh the irony!
It’s amazing isn’t, telling someone do something when they are doing exactly the same.
Minister- we are with you and support you. Our country is being plagued by violence, we don’t make suggestions, we tear down those who are trying to make things better.
A sad state of affairs, I will not keep silent !
I value Minister Caines hard work and I will continue to support his efforts.
Ther “efforts”? They are professional hand wringers.
He is not doing anything besides traveling the world sampling titty milk
Here are some suggestions (again), immediately abandon the failed ‘war on some drugs’ since it is at the root of gangs and violence, use 50% of the ministers salary, 100% of CARTEL boss Beans and some of the untold millions saved from ending said war, then use it to establish Bermudas’ first recreational cannabis farm where at risk youth can do something they like while alleviating financial challenges, another root cause. Have knowledgeable people provide instruction and advice in intensive cultivation techniques which can be applied to all types of farming alongside business management, environmental responsibility, self sufficiency and alternative energy. Foster a mindset of unity and togetherness between factions by creating a profitable business with plenty work and jobs at multiple levels that could be up and running within three months, is a environmentally friendly, renewable resource. We can end the human rights atrocities, police brutality and criminalization of good people in one fell swoop.
Thank you minister, these are new and innovative ideas that will benefit the community. The farm is an AMAZING idea and will positively impact the community and the at risk young people.
I wonder how many have understood the above comment.
Our young men’s lives matter!! Minister Caines, Pastor Bean and all who assist the Gang Violence Reduction Team, I thank you for your hard work and for your dedication which goes beyond normal working hours. Thank you for your commitment in engaging our young men and our students.
Continue to strive forward with these initiatives. Farming is therapeutic and is known to change mindsets and attitudes for the better. People let’s stop the negative comments and the name calling because it does not assist at all. Stumping out gang violence must be treated as a national issue. The National Security Ministry and the support groups play an integral part in combating this issue but they cannot do everything. I implore our community at large to by in and to get involved as it will take a village to stump out this issue. People let’s be positive and work together for the betterment of our society.
When do we start growing medical weed?
he fails to mention that the GREAT program is delivered almost exclusively by members of the BPS taking much needed Police resources off of the street to deliver classes to students.
Jeff Baron did significant work as the Minister along with Premier Dunkley on crime reduction and also had conversations with many of the same people MP Caines now has to interact with.
We know this problem is 20+ years old, mega school like Cedarbridge, no more trade school – give the guy a break he is working with what he has and not using excuses. by the way what happened to MP Baron and all his lofty commitments to Bermuda and its long suffering peoples
Dear Minister Caines,
Continue to try and do all you can, the Constitutional restriction where you cannot direct the Commissioner of Police will always be a significant impediment in Gang Reduction.
I notice the trolls won’t mention that fact in their critique this has to be the most awkward arrangement in the world, the Governor, a career civil servant from the FCO, near his pension and collecting his money whilst the UK economy collapses, being tasked with responsibility for Gang reduction when he has 24 hour security and even his milk delivered to his doorstep. Our arrangement makes National Security in Bermuda an impossible portfolio to manage, the Minister’s hands are permanently tied behind his back. I would never take that job, no wonder why no other front or back bencher would go near this portfolio when some in the Public called for MP Caines’ head for his media blunder.
As far as your major gaffe is concerned, Premier Dunkley’s hot mic in the house where he used the __ word and MO Nandi advertising her ______ seem to have already been forgotten.
Keep working hard for a stable Bermuda that will continue to attract tourists and the IB and Fintech investors to our shores.
keep on working hard Caines, someone else only took photos and never made no progress with that there Ministry, very few people have the credibility or even access to go and speak with these gang guys in their territory. They just took photos with kids all day and walked around in their $500 suit along side Premier in that BMW 7 Series.
Ya ya I like how the Trolls and OBA have not 1 solution for reduction in Gang Activity. New Commish is focussed on his housing situation. Governor worried UK will call him back after BREXIT and he will lose his bumper BERMUDA paycheck and of course no one wants to admit the gang problem is historic and result of years of focus on IB growth only.
Enough of slamming CAINES, he cut his beard and is working hard. Give the guy a break, unless you have the fortitude to make a real contribution to our national safety and establishing long term options for our young people who feel gangs and violence is their only path, they don’t even know what ILS is, let alone a CAT Bond, or the reinsurance sector.
~they don’t even know what ILS is, let alone a CAT Bond, or the reinsurance sector.~
That’s expecting a lot . They don’t even know how to wear a button up shirt with a tie or how to hold a knife and fork properly.
I notice none of the PLP MPs stepped up to the wicket when MP Caines was vulnerable and members of the public wanted his head over the infamous error he made, an error I might add. Amazing how the election trolls have no solutions and how their blessed OBA didn’t make any progress on crime or gang reduction. Oh I forgot the boat race would have saved Bermuda if we voted for OBA again in 2017. MP Caines appears to be fighting with the limited resources at his disposal, I attended one of the workshops he had earlier, he is trying, but he is 1 man right against systemic failings that many are trying to hold him accountable for. Only in Bermuda.
Like really? So help me understand this Bermuda . The important work that a Minister is doing will permanently be ignored, talked over or slighted because of an error of judgement where he made a joke in bad taste. I notice the selective amnesia how we never criticised The OBA MP who felt it necessary to advertise RED interior garments in the House of Assembly, as her way of saying she supported the RED of the OBA. Not a word.
We need to learn to be objective as from recollection there are numerous examples of OBA ministers saying less than politically correct things and they weren’t permanently stifled from doing their jobs.
As usual no solutions from OBA just noise noise and more red noise, is it politically correct to say “red (OBA) faced noise” ?? Very confusing what you can and can’t say nowadays and even whether this will be posted.
Keep working Minister Caines as your portfolio is the one nobody has the strength to stand up and manage daily.
“Error in judgement?”
“Bad joke?”
Sexual harassment is not a joke nor an error in judgement.
Dear Subjects of Bermuda,
Irrespective of Minister Caines’ efforts, I the Governor in waiting, take the final decisions.
I would suggest you all focus on Christmas boat parade and whether you will be stopped at the next roadside sobriety checkpoint.
However, I must say Minister Caines’ efforts are somewhat dedicated and admirable and as Governor in waiting I will give him Pastor Bean, the Police Commissioner and a few others an OBE next time I make recommendations to Whitehall in London on who is working hard in the colonies to keep me in this position until retirement.
Sincerely,
Governor in Waiting – no pun intended.
It is pretty evident that MP Caines is doing all within his power, after observing him at one of the Fintech presentations I can see he is passionate and takes Bermuda’s future seriously, we should give him some support as multiple people have tried to address the longstanding gang crisis and failed. His efforts and determination should be supported. I notice the latest new highly paid UK imported Police Commissioner has not unveiled a strategy, he is focussed on speed cameras though and revenue collection right?
Ministers hands are always tied in this Ministry so any efforts by one of them should be applauded and supported by the public. If Pastor Bean doesn’t perform his contract shouldn’t be renewed, simple in favor of other measures the Ministry can implement.
The supporters out in force on this with their multiple similar comments written by one person.
The problem is how ineffective it will be.
Hardened criminals will not work at a frikin chicken farm.