Opposition Leader Urges Action On Gun Violence
Opposition Leader and Shadow National Security Minister Robert King has called for “concrete steps that will save lives and restore safety to our streets.”
Mr King said, “In the last month alone, Bermuda has seen three shootings in broad daylight. Five people were shot, three of them murdered, all within sight of the Hamilton Police Station. Our island is no longer the safest place on earth. We have one of the highest murder rates in the world. Bermudians are living in fear and that is unacceptable.
“We cannot stand by any longer and fail to act. Enough is enough.
“The PLP’s efforts to contain and reverse this tide of violence and death has proved unsuccessful.
“In 2017, Pastor Leroy Bean, MP, was appointed to tackle gang violence. He has been paid almost $1 million but there has been zero accountability for how that money has been spent. Despite the PLP’s exercises in PR, the murders continue with the perpetrators getting younger and younger. The cycle of violence has only gotten worse. The Police now identify 11 different gangs on the island.
“How can the government speak of revitalising North Hamilton and the City while failing to ensure basic safety on our streets? How does this government’s approach to vagrants who openly break the law on Front Street demonstrate a commitment to reducing crime and safeguarding our community. What message does it send to residents, businesses, and visitors? How does this weak approach to maintaining law and order encourage investment in the city?
“This is not about blame. It is about reality. The PLP strategies have not been working to date.
“Bermuda needs new ideas and courageous action. Urgently.
“We need a different approach that involves increased police presence, enforcing loitering laws, additional stop and searches, more robust traffic policing, parish constables and restricted bail conditions for offences of murder, intimate partner violence, gang crimes and sexual offences.
“We must ensure stricter enforcement of borders and fixing the HM Customs and Immigration Dock in St George’s to stop illegal weapons being imported. We must tighten search procedures at the ports and airports and increase surveillance. We must hire more police officers for a dedicated cycle and traffic division. And we should ensure that the CCTV cameras in the areas where crimes have been committed are operational.
“These are not abstract policies. They are concrete steps that will save lives and restore safety to our streets.
“We must also look to other jurisdictions that have had similar problems and learn from them, discover what was successful, and adapt and implement similar strategies and actions in Bermuda. Because it is too urgent not to.
“We cannot allow violence and disorder to become the new normal in Bermuda.
“I call on government leaders to rise above politics and show true leadership – visibility, responsiveness and accountability.
“Policing alone is not the answer. True safety comes from unity: government, opposition, police, churches and the community working together. This violence is not inevitable. We can change this trajectory if we have the courage to act now.
“This tragedy must galvanize not just sadness, but determination.
“Bermuda deserves to be safe again. Our people deserve peace. And together, we can make that a reality.”
I am disappointed and surprised of the number of gangs in Bermuda; Bermuda should begin a conscript program for the Bermuda Regiment, so young people (and older) can learn responsibility. We have very good examples of government members, such as Col David Burch and others on both sides of the isle that can attest to the value of such Service.
Create programs in the Regiment to learn a trade and become responsible adults. After completion of a number of years (say 2 years of conscript service) permit longer periods and provide incentives eg discount rates to buy a home etc.
As a CPA, and a Bermudian living in Miami with many businesses clients those that have served in armed services think strategic with a skill and acumen to handle decisions and risk far better than the “name flash” elites at Ivy schools – no doubt – and hands down. I encourage higher education, be it University, trade school; along with service.
respectfully
Bermuda had conscription until July 2018. It has now been abolished.
The ‘draft’ was abolished after many years of campaigning by people who either never served or thought their precious little boys were being roughed up. It was viewed as a major victory by many. It aint coming back in spite of the fact that many mommas thought their boys were better afterwards.
This is a question to the opposition party members, mentioned. Who is in control, of the police & Law enforcement, in Bermuda?
I understand it was abolished, but review the time it was in place compared to now. We need it back, to teach responsibility. At the very least scholarships and preferences like help with financing home purchases, higher education expenses, trade school costs; preferences with employments should be considered …….. based on years of service etc.
This is what will reduce gangs and other bad habits that are so prevalent in Bermuda, and for that matter the US, UK,
I would like Col Burch comment, as a retired Statesman. He handled many tough unpopular issues in Bermuda, I am sure his Regiment back ground helped him to think of alternatives whether popular or not.
If the conscript is out of the question, let’s get incentives that will provided a pathway for young and older adults also.
Respectfully