Good morning everyone,
I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of National Security has been allocated an additional $5.4 million for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. This substantial investment allows us to expand and enhance programmes that will directly benefit our communities and improve the quality of life for all Bermudians.
One of our primary focuses with this extra funding is to empower our youth, especially those involved with 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 GED within the next 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.
Our aim is to open doors for individuals seeking positive change. By investing in their education and skills, we empower them to build more secure futures for themselves and make meaningful contributions to our community.
The Ministry is expanding its coordinated Crisis Response Team to provide more timely and comprehensive assistance to individuals and communities affected by violence. By expanding our capacity and resources, the team will be better equipped to offer prompt support and a broader range of services during crucial times.
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.
It is crucial for the overall mental and physical well-being of our people that we address the emotional and psychological needs of those affected by violence. We aim to foster real healing and recovery within our communities through these support services.
We are also launching an individual counselling programme to provide personalised support for those affected by violence. There are hundreds of people on our island who are dealing with the trauma of violence. These sessions, lasting between 10 to 12 weeks, will offer weekly one-on-one counselling aimed at mental and emotional health recovery and reintegration. On average, we experience 20 violent incidents per year, each impacting about 10 people, including family members, children, and close friends.
Furthermore, we are introducing a family counselling programme. These group sessions are designed for families who have lost loved ones or have members involved in gangs and need more impactful and meaningful support. The goal is to strengthen family bonds and provide collective healing through group therapy to help families rebuild their support networks and by extension, improve the familial wholeness and stability.
We are providing additional funding and support to existing community outreach and school programmes that serve at-risk youth. Our objective is to strengthen these programmes so they can deliver higher-quality services and expand their impact.
In our schools, we are increasing funding for existing violence prevention and personal development programmes, allowing the GVRT to improve its delivery and reach more students, including those that are not involved in anti-social behaviour. We are also supporting ongoing student engagement, encouraging leadership and peer mentorship in violence prevention and conflict resolution.
For community outreach, we are enhancing support for organisations that work with youth, such as sports and community clubs for after-school programmes to improve their current offerings, whether through enhanced resources, staffing, or materials.
I am also pleased to announce that, as part of our commitment to addressing substance misuse in our community, we are allocating an additional funding to the Department for National Drug Control for important grants to both Pathways Bermuda and Focus Counselling Services. This funding will enable the NDC to offer more support to essential substance abuse intervention programs.
Focus Counselling Services has been a cornerstone in providing comprehensive support for individuals in recovery. This additional funding will allow them to sustain their operations, particularly in their supportive housing initiative. By ensuring that these services continue, we reaffirm our commitment to those who are seeking recovery and healing.
Meanwhile, Pathways Bermuda plays a crucial role in connecting individuals with international treatment centres and local addiction professionals. Their approach focuses on providing holistic, sustainable pathways for those affected by substance misuse. With this funding, we will be able to enhance their capacity to offer treatment, aftercare, and group programmes, ensuring that Bermuda residents receive the appropriate level of care and support.
This investment not only strengthens our existing initiatives but also reinforces our collective responsibility to address the challenges of substance misuse in our society. Together, we are taking significant steps toward building a healthier and safer Bermuda.
All of the initiatives I have outlined represent the Government's dedication to making tangible improvements in the lives of Bermudians. By focusing on education, rehabilitation, and comprehensive support services, the Ministry of National Security is actively working towards enhancing the well-being and safety of our community.
Thank you.