Column: King On Minister, Public Safety, More

[Opinion column written by MP Robert King]

Minister Weeks is right: every Bermudian wants to feel safe — in their homes, on our roads, at school, and in their communities. We all share that same goal, and I welcome his call for collaboration. Our island faces serious challenges, and the time for real partnership, leadership, and solutions is now.

I agree with Minister Weeks when he says, “What people want is real action. What they deserve are real results.” That is exactly what I and the One Bermuda Alliance are calling for — not to point fingers, but to highlight urgent issues that need attention, and to work together on solutions that will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

It’s understandable that strong concerns about national security might feel personal — the responsibility weighs heavily.

But this is not about political games. It’s about protecting Bermudians and restoring a sense of security in our communities. As the Government, the PLP holds the tools, authority, and public trust to lead on these matters. And I believe we can achieve more, together.

Let me offer a few concrete steps that could move us forward:

• Transparency and Accountability in Cybersecurity

Following the cyberattack in September 2023, a report was completed in November. Bermudians still don’t know the scope of the breach, the risks posed, or what’s being done to prevent future attacks. Let’s make the report’s findings public, outline the measures taken, and launch a public education campaign so people know how to protect their data.

• Speed Up Implementation of Domestic Violence and Gang Intervention Programs

The Domestic Violence Court and the CMIT [Coordinated Multidisciplinary Intervention Team] program remain inactive. These two programs are critical to addressing cycles of abuse, reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACEs], and intervening before youth turn to violence or crime. Let’s set public timelines for their full implementation and share progress updates quarterly.

• Invest in Police Resources Strategically

The Bermuda Police Service remains understaffed. We support Minister Weeks’ acknowledgment of the need for better infrastructure and financing. Let’s work together to identify recruitment strategies and consider reassigning overseas deployments to ensure local coverage is not compromised.

• Engage in a Public Crime and Safety Strategy Review

Let’s create a National Safety Strategy Review Board made up of bipartisan MPs, community leaders, police, and youth advocates. This board would meet quarterly and publish recommendations focused on reducing violent crime, supporting victims, and restoring trust in law enforcement.

Minister Weeks did extend an invitation on Sunday March 30, 2025 for me to meet with him on March 31, 2025 at 2pm. What is concerning is that the invitation was sent via the Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson with Minister Weeks providing his contact number. Why would Minister Weeks choose to send an invite via a third party when he claims that he is seeking to collaborate on solutions and not playing political games.

Minister Weeks has my contact details already and I have his from our previous communications regarding CCTV cameras that were installed on Loyal Hill in 2024 against the protestations of the community [on the expert advice of the Police to promote community safety, the cameras remained in place until the eve of the election when they were removed. This raises the question is this government really concerned about the safety and security of the community or is it really about politics.]

However, Minister Weeks’ pattern of extending an invitation and then not responding to texts or phone calls despite it being previously agreed is his pattern. The meeting on March 31, 2025 did not take place and nor was communication received from Minister Weeks on that date or prior that it would not take place. I phoned Minister Weeks on the day of the meeting to confirm that it was happening. The response was silence. I subsequently reached out to Minister Weeks the next day and heard nothing until April 2, 2025.

I am available to discuss and develop a plan to reduce serious crimes of violence when Minister Weeks is ready to do what he says he will do. I will not, as he suggested in the House, keep banging on his door and calling him repeatedly until he decides to respond or not to an elected Member of Parliament. Either he is vested in his position as Minister of National Security or he is not. People are dying unnecessarily in this island, people are suffering trauma and physical harm and are suffering in silence. This is not a game, Minister Weeks.

This is not about politics — it’s about leadership. And I believe Minister Weeks has shown in the past that he understands the importance of standing up for the vulnerable. In 2018, as Minister of Social Development and Sport, he took a strong position in investigating allegations of abuse against children in care. That’s the kind of leadership we need today, and I would gladly stand beside that same commitment now.

We all deserve— a Bermuda that is safe, fair, and full of opportunity. Let us show the people of this island that we can come together, focus on solutions, and take meaningful steps forward.

- Robert King, MP, Shadow National Security Minister

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