Good afternoon everyone. 

I am happy to share with you the Ministry of National Security's initiatives highlighted in the 2024 Speech from the Throne. 

Firstly, I am pleased to announce that on Friday, I will be tabling the National Violence Reduction Strategy in the House of Assembly. This comprehensive plan is the result of extensive efforts and collaboration among various stakeholders over the past months. Recognising the multifaceted nature of violence affecting Bermuda—whether physical aggression, psychological abuse, or anti-social behaviour—we understand that a one-size-fits-all solution would not suffice.

To address this, we convened a two-day consultative workshop that brought together representatives from government agencies, private sectors, faith-based organisations, sports clubs, and community groups. 

Their invaluable insights have helped to shape a strategy focused on prevention, intervention, and integration. Our mission is clear: to implement strategies that will reduce violence in Bermuda, particularly gang violence, through collaborative efforts.

This National Violence Reduction Strategy is more than a policy document; it is a commitment to create a safer Bermuda for all. It emphasises identifying root causes, promoting educational awareness, and strengthening both institutions and individuals. 

We aim to protect the most vulnerable and ensure accountability for those who perpetrate violence. Importantly, the strategy focuses on redemption over punishment, offering pathways for individuals to reintegrate into society without stigma. 

This includes support for relocation and opportunities for those seeking different social and economic environments.

A key component of this strategy is our youth. We believe that by steering young people away from destructive behaviours and harmful mindsets, we aim to prevent the cycle of violence from continuing into future generations. We are leveraging established programmes and interventions tailored specifically to Bermuda's needs, promoting inclusion rather than exclusion. 

Our approach involves collaboration between perpetrators and victims, fostering a community-wide commitment to peace and mutual respect.

We stand at a pivotal moment where collective action is essential. This strategy is a call to all sectors of our society—to stand together against violence in all its forms and work towards a future where peace and respect are the norms. By uniting our efforts, we can restore the sense of safety and community that previous generations cherished and that we aspire to provide for the future.

In addition to the Violence Reduction Strategy, I am excited to announce the reinstitution of the Bermuda Youth Counselling Services under the Department for National Drug Control. 

Originally launched in 2002 as a standalone unit, this service provided vital outpatient counselling and case management to young people aged 10 to 18 who were at risk of drug and alcohol abuse. Over time, the programme evolved and was integrated into other services, but we have recognised the pressing need to re-establish it as a dedicated resource.

By reviving the Bermuda Youth Counselling Services, we aim to address current gaps in substance abuse treatment and counselling for adolescents. 

Utilising age-appropriate interventions and treatments, we will provide targeted support to help our young people overcome challenges related to substance misuse. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting families and individuals in need, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for healing and growth.

Lastly, I want to emphasise that our legislative initiatives outlined in the Throne Speech will go hand-in-hand with the initiatives we outlined under the Mid-Year Budget Review.

One of our priorities, made possible by the additional funding, is the empowerment of our youth with the expansion of the ministry’s support for sporting and community clubs across the region, recognizing the critical role they play in fostering teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles. By assisting where possible, the aim is to help these clubs and their youth programmes to create even more avenues for young people to get involved in constructive, community-focused activities.

For young people who may be struggling, including those involved in the Gang Violence Reduction Taskforce's outreach programme.

We are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to advance their education and develop vocational skills. For participants nearing the end of high school, we will offer assistance to help them obtain their GEDs in the upcoming academic year. Those who meet the entrance requirements for Bermuda College will receive financial support to cover tuition, fees, books, and materials. We are also expanding training options to include apprenticeships, local certifications, and opportunities for overseas training. 

In addition, we are expanding the Community Counselling Programme to offer more personalised support to those impacted by violence and trauma. Recognising the profound effects on families, children, and victims, this programme provides access to trained grief and trauma counsellors for a series of individual and group sessions. Addressing the emotional and psychological needs of those affected is crucial for promoting genuine healing and recovery within our communities. Thank you…….And now, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome my colleague the Honourable Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour to speak about the initiatives under his remit.