Today the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, and the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, held a media briefing concerning the Throne Speech.
The Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP
Minister of National Security
Good morning, everyone.
Today, I am happy to talk about some of the initiatives for the Ministry of National Security as outlined in the 2023 Throne Speech.
In last year's Throne Speech, our Ministry focused on developing early plans for an islandwide CCTV system, enacting legislation that governs staffing levels for our airport firefighters, and drafting legislation pertaining to Cyber Security.
As highlighted in this year’s speech, under the theme Serving the People, human and technology resources continue to be an essential element of keeping Bermuda safe.
Our main priority is getting the new island-wide CCTV Network implemented before the end of the fourth quarter of 2023.
Starting in the first quarter of 2024, the Ministry of National Security and the Bermuda Police Service will implement phase two of the initiative by conducting a number of pilot studies relating to traffic infractions. This phase will include the implementation of speed cameras.
These studies will determine how the new CCTV network can aid in more rigid enforcement of traffic laws, promoting safer driving and safer road use. I will provide further updates on the full implementation of the CCTV Network and on the phase two developments after the planned pilot studies. The CCTV Network is another tool that will be used to keep our citizens safe.
Introducing a cyber security bill to the legislature continues to be a priority for this Government. I am pleased to say that we are closer to finalising the drafting process and tabling a cyber security bill in the House of Assembly.
The bill will be revised to incorporate the necessary statutory enhancements recommended in response to September's cyberattack on the Bermuda Government.
The cyber attack underscored the critical need for robust and adaptive cybersecurity measures in our country, and that is why this Government is determined to ensure the safety and security of Bermuda's digital landscape.
Once the cyber security bill is drafted and approved by the legislature, the legislation will not only address the evolving cyber landscape but also incorporate the valuable lessons learned from September's attack.
A cyber bill is more than just laws and regulations; it is a safeguard for our national security, the protection of sensitive data, and the continued functioning of our critical national infrastructure. It ensures that we have in place secure technology systems and frameworks in which to conduct our business.
As we chart a course for the upcoming year, we must address the human resource challenges identified within our uniformed services. We are resolute in our pledge to create opportunities for more Bermudians to contribute to organisations that make up our uniformed services, recognising the importance of diversifying and strengthening our ranks.
Therefore, the Ministry of National Security proudly announces the forthcoming implementation of the Uniformed Services Cadet Training Programme.
This initiative will serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our young Bermudians, setting the stage for promising careers in Bermuda's uniformed services.
The Uniformed Services Cadet Training Programme will offer foundational training, equipping successful candidates with the skills, discipline, and knowledge necessary to excel in the diverse and challenging roles of our uniformed services.
Through this programme, we will empower young men and women with the tools they need to succeed while instilling a deep sense of civic duty and responsibility.
Strengthening the ranks of our uniformed services is something that we are focused on year-round. The public will recall the graduation in September of 23 Bermudian recruit firefighters who completed a gruelling training programme in the UK and are now operating at the airport.
Last week, nine recruits began their foundational training course within the Department of Corrections, supporting our ranks of Corrections Officers. We will be releasing details of their training course soon and there is another recruitment course planned in the near future.
Another legislative priority for our Ministry is to explore legislation providing additional safeguards for our young people – particularly our young women.
Sometimes, when discussing national security, we often focus on policies dealing with our young men. However, we also need to focus on protecting our young ladies.
I was pleased to hear compelling presentations from the Family Centre's Youth Leadership Academy on various issues affecting young people and our families.
One issue that was addressed during the presentations was our culture of 'catcalling’ or street harassment, in which men regularly target our young ladies on the street by shouting out harassing comments, which are often sexually suggestive, threatening and demeaning.
This presentation showed that this issue is more prominent than some may realise. It was clear to me, especially as a father, that street harassment can be particularly traumatising for its victims.
Sometimes, the victims of this harassment are school-aged girls. This behaviour is abhorrent and simply unacceptable in any decent society and we are committed to taking measures to eradicate such inappropriate behaviour.
Legislation already exists to counters this type of harassment; however, I believe we need to explore ways to enhance the protection of our young women to ensure that they feel comfortable and safe while walking our streets.
Thank you.