Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern and condemnation of the recently reported attacks on bus operators in Bermuda. These senseless acts of violence have no place in our society and will not be tolerated. We stand in solidarity with our bus operators and their families during this difficult time and will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.
The safety and wellbeing of our public transportation operators is of paramount importance to us. These valued workers play a crucial role in keeping our island moving, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their hard work and dedication. It is unacceptable that they should have to face violence and aggression while carrying out their duties.
Mr. Speaker, bus operators are essential to Bermuda's transportation system. They are responsible for safely transporting thousands of passengers every day, ensuring they reach their destinations on time and in comfort. They provide a critical service that is relied upon by locals and tourists alike and are an integral part of Bermuda's economy and society.
Frontline public transportation workers are often the first point of contact for visitors to our island and are ambassadors for Bermuda's hospitality and culture. They provide a friendly and welcoming service, helping to create a positive and memorable experience for our visitors. They also play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable transportation, which is essential for our island's environmental and economic sustainability. Without those on the frontline of the public transportation industry, Bermuda's transportation system would not function effectively, and we would all be worse off for it.
Mr Speaker, we are taking immediate steps to address this issue and prevent any further attacks on our transportation officers. We are working closely with the Department of Public Transportation’s (DPT) Occupational Safety and Health Committee and other stakeholders to identify and address the underlying causes of this violence. Some of the advancements made thus far are:
- DPT are holding Lunch and Learn sessions in the cafeteria for staff with various stakeholders and Bermuda Police to receive firsthand information, instruction and answers to their questions.
- Development of training programs for staff members, equipping them with the necessary skill sets to effectively manage and navigate challenging interactions with the public.
- Development of a policy to extend the deployment of surveillance cameras across buses currently without such systems.
- And the implementation of informative signage aimed at notifying the public about the presence and purpose of the surveillance cameras.
Mr. Speaker, the aforementioned actions shed light on a larger concern regarding the safeguarding of our workforce as a whole. The Government remains dedicated to assessing existing legislation in order to ascertain the necessity of additional laws that can establish effective mechanisms to ensure the safety of our community.
An exemplification of a law that grants the authorities in the United Kingdom the ability to tackle safety concerns is the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act of 2014. Considering the potential benefits, we will continue ongoing discussions to explore the possibility of implementing a comparable act or a similar measure.
Mr Speaker, I conclude in saying, we will not rest until those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice. We call on the public to come forward with any information they may have that could assist in these investigations. If anyone witnesses a physical confrontation in progress on a public vehicle, they should contact 911. If the matter has ended, witnesses should call 292-3851 to support their Bus Operator and report what they have seen. We will work closely with the police to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
I would like to reiterate our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our bus operators and all frontline workers in Bermuda. We will not tolerate any form of violence or aggression towards them and will take all necessary steps to ensure their safety. We urge everyone to show their support for our frontline transportation workers and to work together towards a safer and more peaceful Bermuda.
Mr Speaker, Thank you.