Ministerial Statement by the Minister of National Security, The Honourable Wayne Caines, JP, MP
Last Friday night, we lost another young man – 30-year-old Taylor Matthew Grier – to a senseless act of gun violence.
Today, another mother is mourning the loss of a son.
Another daughter is mourning the loss of a father.
And Bermuda is mourning the loss of another young man in the prime of his life – and who was an incredibly talented and community focused individual.
I again extend my sincerest condolences to Taylor’s family and friends and let them know that this Government, this Country, is keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
As I indicated over the weekend, today’s press briefing serves as an opportunity to not only reiterate our public safety message in advance of the Cup Match holiday; but it also serves as a chance to update the public on any protocols and safety measures that everyone should be aware of as we approach the holiday.
Without question, Cup Match is one of Bermuda’s most anticipated holidays. It’s a time of year when we come together and celebrate the emancipation of slavery and the richness of our heritage.
Regrettably, the approaching holiday has been marred by last Friday’s shooting death. I want to reassure the public that we are working tirelessly to safeguard and protect our community and intend to step up our public safety efforts.
We recognize that over the four day weekend there will be numerous events taking place for the enjoyment of thousands of residents and visitors.
In a moment, Assistant Police Commissioner Martin Weekes will provide an overview of the BPS’s holiday public safety plan, which is intelligence led and has all partners working together to assess and mitigate the greatest areas of risk.
But I just want to share some key points that I feel are important for the public to know.
Over the holiday weekend, there will be additional BPS overnight watches with up to 50 police officers above standard levels to deal with any increases in illegal or anti-social activities. In total, there will be roughly 150 police officers deployed throughout the weekend.
Cup Match Grounds:
This year, for the first time, CCTV cameras will cover the grounds at SCC. And I should note that there will be up to 50 officers daily, with a command centre on site at the field.
I am hopeful that every individual who visits the Cup Match grounds will have an enjoyable time and act responsibly in the celebratory spirit of the Holiday.
I would be remiss if I did not inform the public that the Ministry and the Bermuda Police Service have a zero tolerance policy with regard to persons operating vehicles and watercraft whilst under the influence of alcohol. In this regard, the BPS will take steps to prevent, stop and detain anyone found to be driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. If you are found to be under the influence and in control of a vehicle, you will be arrested. So please, don’t drink and drive.
Turning to the water, mariners will be very active on Sunday.
In conjunction with the Regiment, the BPS will maintain high visibility with 6 vessels on continuous patrols.
Boaters are encouraged to adhere to all maritime laws and exercise courteous and responsible marine behaviour.
Lastly, the Ministry of National Security’s Coordinated Crisis Response Team will be operational this holiday weekend. They were activated on Friday following the shooting.
As is their mandate, they worked to help restore peace in the community and assisted family members and friends in the immediate aftermath of the violent incident.
As I noted last week, the team has identified four available hubs in the west end: Agape Faith in Dockyard, Beulah Tabernacle in Somerset, and Vernon Temple AME and Southampton SDA in Southampton.
In the event of a major crisis, members of the Crisis Response Team will be available at one of these locations to lend assistance to any affected members of the public.
In closing, the Ministry of National Security, the Bermuda Police Service, and our partner agencies, aim to ensure that the festivities remain safe and free of anti-social behaviour.
I wish to thank all of our enforcement and emergency agencies for their tireless work. Let us all work together to ensure that the 2018 Cup Match holiday will be a safe and enjoyable one for all.
I now invite Assistant Police Commissioner Martin Weekes to provide an overview of the BPS’s holiday public safety plan.
Thank you.
