Minister On Safety During The Holiday Period
“I encourage everyone to enjoy the holidays responsibly, look out for one another, and take simple preventive measures to protect themselves and their property,” Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said in the House of Assembly today [Dec 12].
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, as we enter the holiday season, I rise today to remind the community of the importance of personal safety and responsible behaviour at this time of year. The Christmas period brings increased social activity, heavier retail traffic, and greater movement around the island. It is a time of celebration, but it is also a period when crimes of opportunity traditionally increase.
Mr. Speaker, safeguarding our communities is a shared responsibility. The Bermuda Police Service will be maintaining an enhanced presence during the holidays. However, the first and most effective layer of protection comes from the public taking simple, common-sense steps to reduce risk.
Homeowners are encouraged to secure windows and doors, use exterior lighting, and ensure that security systems are functioning properly. When purchasing gifts, residents should avoid leaving packaging or high value boxes visible outside, as this can unintentionally signal what is inside the home. Those travelling off island should make arrangements with family or trusted neighbours to monitor their property.
Mr. Speaker, I also remind the public to take care of their personal safety while out shopping, attending events, and enjoying social gatherings. Individuals should travel with friends or family when possible, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid carrying or displaying large sums of cash or expensive jewelry. These are routine precautions that help reduce the likelihood of opportunistic theft.
Mr. Speaker, the holiday season brings many office functions, private parties, and social events. I cannot emphasise strongly enough that people should not drink and drive. Bermuda has seen the devastating consequences that impaired driving can cause, and there is simply no justification for taking that risk. I urge the public to use taxis, designated drivers, minibuses, or other alternatives if they plan to consume alcohol. This is not only a matter of personal responsibility but also a matter of protecting lives in the broader community.
Mr. Speaker, the Government remains mindful that the holiday season can be a challenging time for some individuals and families. We continue to monitor conditions across the community and remain focused on reducing risk, deterring crime, and ensuring that people are aware of the support services that are already available in Bermuda. No one should feel pressured into making desperate or harmful choices, and anyone who needs assistance is encouraged to seek help through the established channels that operate year-round.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to enjoy the holidays responsibly, look out for one another, and take simple preventive measures to protect themselves and their property. With cooperation, vigilance, and community awareness, we can help ensure that this holiday season is a safe and positive one for all of us.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The honorable ministers find it very convienent to look for excuses or pass the blame on to the public for every thing that goes wrong on the island. well ! I and we are not buying it .
We are paying taxes. for waste we have an island we can not afford.
There is a always a cause , the longer hundreds of problems sit on the back burner the worse they become .
Bermuda’s reputation as a visitors paradise is going down the tube the economy needs more to survive .
A poor economy means that many can not pay the rent and all that goes with it.
Can you tell me how a floor walker in a store can afford $5,000 per month rent and pay taxes also including put food on the table.
I know that you may say that it is his fault and you will be 100 % correct.
it is a wonder that many seniors can still function !
i am sure you do not want to hear this as it appears that there is a disconnect many people here go with out just to get by.
Time for me to point out there is not such thing as affordable housing we can no build sun standard housing who would not live in one, so why should the rest bf us.
We can not build cheep in Bermuda we get now very big cat 5 hurricanes .
May i ask here, is there a Government of the people and for the people?
This, i very much fear is not happening.
Inflation is alive an well, the money grab is still with us want me to tell you why.
Well. ! i just did .
This is why peter does not want to pay Paul. Am i am bleeding because the island is hurt?
More useless pleading from the Minister. Said his piece, again. Problem solved.
Maybe if he, and his Government made it an actual policy to crack down on dangerous driving by the police, who also need to be backed up by the courts, there would be an improvement in attitude on the roads.
The Government have themselves to blame for the chaos on the roads. They set the policy on law enforcement. Law enforcement is not very high on Government’s priority list.
Minister Weeks with the greatest cordiality, may i wish you and your family Sancerre Christmas greetings and a happier New Year.
I hopefully know what you are trying to accomplish ,which all comes with very few reward’s containing gratitude, you must lknow that you are steering this ship.
Many years ago i worked for Government with out not so much as a thank you from any one ,what i accomplished was in my opinion absolutely monumental.
They just grabed all they could carry and run.
Why do people have to cheat at marbles ?
I realize that it is imposable to please every body all of the time, or even some of the time . Nobody can say but they do, out of their own frustration and just complain, you know that they do as you work relentlesly to try to accomplish what you believe in.
i also know at times i have been your bully may be it was because of frustration also. Bermuda is a beautiful island we all have seen hardship that hurts and causes anger which we need to get over.
other places on the planet have it worse than we do, some howe do have a Christmas every day we all need to be thank full for what little we all do have and be ever so lucky for our small mercies.
In comparison we awake every morning feeling hard done by, but we may see our Bermuda as house sparrow who sing their little hearts out. They are not so lucky and yet are they telling us something.