Video: Cup Match Holiday Policing Plan
The police urged the public to celebrate Cup Match responsibly, and noted that “the public can expect an increased and highly visible police presence.”
Detective Chief Inspector Dorian Astwood said, “As Bermuda prepares to celebrate the Cup Match holiday, a time to reflect on our history, honour Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day, and celebrate who we are as a people, the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] wishes to offer guidance to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.
“Our primary focus is public safety and community wellbeing throughout the four-day weekend.
“With numerous events taking place island-wide, the public can expect an increased and highly visible police presence.
“The BPS will be working in partnership with the Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] to:
- “Deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour that could disrupt the festivities.
- “Promote road safety, including efforts to reduce traffic collisions, combat reckless driving, and prevent impaired driving.
“As part of our road safety strategy, roadside sobriety checkpoints will be conducted at various locations across the island. These operations are designed to identify and deter impaired drivers before they pose a risk to themselves and others.
“A proportionate policing approach will be applied to all major events throughout the long weekend.
“The annual Cup Match between Somerset and St. George’s Cricket Clubs begins at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday and is expected to attract thousands of spectators.
“The BPS, along with the RBR, will maintain a strong presence at the event, working closely with St. George’s Cricket Club and a private security firm.
“CCTV coverage will be in place throughout the venue to help ensure a safe environment.
“Alongside the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard, the BPS will ensure a visible and active presence on the water. Boaters are reminded to:
- Ensure their vessels are properly registered and display a valid decal on the starboard side.
- Have all mandatory safety equipment on board.
- Carry sufficient fuel for their journey.
- File a float plan if heading offshore.
- Refrain from operating any vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired boating is just as dangerous as impaired driving and will be actively enforced.
“Our message is simple: enjoy the holiday responsibly. We all have a role to play in making Bermuda safer.
“On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, I extend best wishes to the entire community for a safe, peaceful, and joyful Cup Match weekend.
“We look forward to seeing many of you at the various events over the holiday.”
For extensive coverage of Cup Match spanning over a decade, visit our website BernewsCupMatch.com, the island’s most comprehensive resource on the Cup Match holiday.
- Over 7,000 photos here
- Over 200 videos here
- Over 100 graphics here
- History here
- Dedicated website: BernewsCupMatch.com
