Column: Wayne Caines On Violence Reduction
[Opinion column written by MP Wayne Caines]
Today, I write as a former Minister of National Security, but more importantly, as a son of Bermuda, a witness to its pain, and a believer in its promise. I have walked the streets marked by the scars of gang violence. I have looked into the eyes of grieving mothers, burdened by sorrow yet still holding hope. And I am here to declare: we must meet this challenge with a spirit of unity, purpose, and resolve.
Minister Michael Weeks and his team have unveiled a National Violence Reduction Strategy that demands our attention, our support and our action. It builds on the foundation laid by those who came before, standing tall on the courage and dedication of individuals like Pastor Leroy Bean and the Gang Violence Reduction Team. During my time as Minister I saw first hand how these warriors of peace sow seeds of intervention, mentorship, and community engagement. Minister Weeks’ strategy takes their work and that vision and expands them, weaving a tapestry of compassion, collaboration, and accountability. I wholeheartedly lend my support to the Minister and his team for this comprehensive plan and am encouraged by its clarity and commitment to addressing the root causes of violence in our community.
This is not just another plan; this is a blueprint for transformation. At its heart are five pillars that call us to rise as one community:
1.Early Intervention and Education
We must meet our children at the crossroads before violence takes root. By teaching conflict resolution, emotional strength, and life skills, we give our youth the tools to build bridges, not walls. Minister Weeks’ strategy plants seeds of peace early, ensuring that no child’s potential is lost to the streets.
2.Mental Health Support
Trauma is the silent partner of violence, a wound that festers across generations. Expanding access to mental health services, tailored to our unique cultural needs, offers healing where there was once hurt. This is not just about stopping violence; it’s about breaking the chains of pain and giving families a chance to thrive.
3.Community Collaboration
In our neighborhoods, we find our strength. Churches, sports clubs, and grassroots organizations are the heartbeat of Bermuda, and they must be equipped to lead. This strategy empowers local groups to mentor, guide, and uplift, creating spaces where hope replaces despair.
4.Reintegration and Rehabilitation
Redemption is a Bermudian value. We believe in second chances because we know the power of transformation. By supporting vocational training, mentorship, and employment for those seeking to leave a life of violence behind, this strategy affirms that no one is beyond saving.
5.Strong Enforcement and Accountability
While compassion must lead, justice must follow. Strengthened law enforcement efforts and targeted operations against gang activity send a clear message: we will protect our people.
But make no mistake: this is not just a government plan. It is a call to arms for every Bermudian. Families must embrace their children with love and discipline. Fathers must be present, shaping futures with guidance and care. Communities must open their doors to the vulnerable, offering alternatives to the path of destruction.
Those who know me, know that I am a man of faith…from a praying family. Faith is the compass that will guide us through the storm, and belief in our collective power is the light that will lead us forward. It is this faith—in God, in our people, and in our shared purpose—that will sustain us as we confront the challenges ahead.
The work ahead is hard, but it is not impossible. Let us courageously confront this crisis head-on. Let us rekindle the bonds of unity that built this island and remember that our strength is in our shared commitment to one another.
Minister Weeks’ strategy is a clarion call, rooted in compassion, backed by action, and driven by faith in our people. If we stand together, we can rebuild trust, heal wounds, and create a Bermuda where every child can walk free from fear, every family can dream without limits, and every neighborhood can shine with the light of hope.
The time to act is now. The burden is heavy, but the reward is great. Together, we can be the architects of a brighter tomorrow. Let us rise, Bermuda.
- MP Wayne Caines, Constituency 14 – Devonshire North West
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