Column: MP King On Crimes, Violence & More
[Opinion column written by MP Robert King]
As the House of Assembly gathered for its final session before the summer recess, I delivered a sobering message to the Minister of National Security: our communities deserve more than polished soundbites and cherry-picked statistics.
For months, we’ve watched the Minister celebrate his ministry’s “successes” with carefully crafted messaging. But behind the headlines lies a harsher reality – one that no press release can conceal. For too many, especially our young people, life is becoming more dangerous, not safer.
The government’s own “Stop the Violence” campaign website lays the truth bare:
- 2019: 0 murders—the first murder-free year in over two decades. A glimpse of what’s possible.
- 2020: 7 murders. 52 firearm incidents. Gunmen firing into family homes.
- 2021: 7 murders. A mass shooting inside the Robin Hood Pub.
- 2022: 9 murders. Violence rose by 20%.
- 2024: 9 murders in just the first six months—7 of them in a brutal six-week stretch. Teenagers killed in broad daylight.
These are not just numbers. Each one represents a life lost, a family shattered, a community left to grieve and fear.
The PLP government has become adept at highlighting isolated wins while ignoring systemic failures. Yes, new programmes have been launched. Yes, funding has been allocated. But the broader reality remains: guns and bladed weapons continue to cause unacceptable levels of harm and death.
Last week in the House, the Minister announced more than half a million dollars in grants to community groups working under the National Violence Reduction Strategy. When I asked how those funds were allocated, we learned there was no competitive RFP process – just a simple application form.
That’s not good enough.
How do these grants align with the government’s own strategy? What are the performance indicators? How will success be measured? Without transparency, how can Bermudians be confident that taxpayer dollars are driving real change rather than merely supporting well-meaning intentions?
As Shadow Minister, I have a duty to demand better.
If public safety is truly a priority, then we need more than press statements. We need a coordinated, data-driven plan that includes:
- Early intervention programmes with measurable outcomes
- Border security upgrades to stop weapons from entering our island
- Transparent oversight of all security-related spending
- Regular public reporting on progress and effectiveness
For too many families, time is running out. They deserve leadership that matches the urgency of their fear with the seriousness of our response.
When this House reconvenes, we need a renewed commitment to action – not more excuses, not more performance. Bermuda cannot afford delay. Our people deserve safety, and they deserve it now.
- Robert King, MP, Shadow National Security Minister
Update 8.05pm: Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said, “The safety and security of our people is not an issue to be used as a political football. Every act of violence, every life lost, is a tragedy that affects us all. My role as Minister is not to go back and forth with anyone seeking to exploit this issue, but to remain focused on continually improving the security and safety of our community.
“Those of us who are serious about improving Bermuda know that this is not a political issue. It is a social issue that requires collaborative action. Action we are taking.
“Under the National Violence Reduction Strategy, we have invested more than half a million dollars in community organisations whose work directly addresses the root causes of violence.
“This includes:
- Sports clubs that offer young people healthy alternatives and mentorship.
- Community support programmes building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
- Educational initiatives giving our young people tools for success.
- Youth mentorship to guide at-risk individuals towards positive life choices.
“These investments are aligned with the Strategy’s five pillars: prevention, early intervention, mental health support, community resilience, and evidence-based enforcement.
“The Ministry continues to work in close coordination with the Bermuda Police Service, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Department of Corrections, Customs, and the Gang Violence Reduction Team. In fact, with the encouragement of the Ministry, the BPS will be increasing the use of Body Cams and have now received 200 new bodycams. We believe that the bodycams provide a greater level of security to members of the public and to our Officers.
“We are also enhancing our use of data to identify trends, deploy resources where they are most needed, and evaluate the impact of our initiatives. Some push for more police on the streets as the only solution, and while we are hiring more officers, we do not believe that is the only solution. Alongside enforcement, we are committed to tackling the social and economic drivers of crime. This means expanding early-intervention programmes, supporting at-risk youth, and working closely with community leaders, schools, and families to prevent crime before it occurs.
“We are also reviewing border security measures to ensure our agencies have the tools and intelligence they need to prevent illegal weapons and drugs from entering Bermuda.
“Again, the responsibility for safer communities does not rest with the government alone. It requires the active partnership of residents, community organisations, faith groups, businesses, and every elected representative, regardless of political affiliation. It also requires caring enough about this issue and having the maturity to not exploit the challenges facing our community for political expediency.
“I stand ready to work with all who genuinely share the goal of a safer Bermuda, and I welcome constructive dialogue in and out of Parliament. Together, we can reduce violence, build trust, and create a society where every person feels secure.”
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