Mr Speaker, today I stand before this Honourable House, like most Bermudians, with a heavy heart, deeply disturbed and disgusted by the recent surge in violence that has shaken our island.
Mr Speaker, to hear the news that two young men were fatally shot near Fort Scaur in Somerset at such an early hour on Wednesday shook me to my core. These gruesome murders brought the number of homicides in Bermuda in the past six weeks to 6. Six murders in 6 weeks,
Mr Speaker. These include the shocking discovery of four lifeless people inside their home in Pembroke; which occurred a month after a mother was fatally shot in her home at the same property, a home located within my own constituency. This is a closely-knit community, like so many neighbourhoods throughout our country, and they are reeling from this horrific event.
Mr Speaker, I also draw your attention to the murder at knife-point on our famous Horseshoe Beach on Bermuda Day. That was another senseless act of violence that snuffed out the hopes and dreams of a young man.
Mr Speaker, the murders at Scaur hill took place at a time when most of Bermuda was just waking up to face another day. Callously taking another person’s life is abhorrent at any hour but, it is beyond incredible that someone could do so at such an early hour in the day. Irrespective of the circumstances that led to this appalling behaviour, I can assure this Honourable House and the rest of Bermuda that the Bermuda Police Service will aggressively pursue the culprits.
Mr Speaker, there is no doubt that these events have left our entire community in a state of pain, shock and anxiety. I express my deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of all those who have lost their lives recently. These senseless acts of violence have torn at the very fabric of our society, and we share in the grief and pain felt by those who knew and loved these individuals. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with our community during this incredibly difficult time.
Mr Speaker, as the Bermuda Police Service investigates these incidents, I want to assure the public that the Ministry of National Security fully supports their efforts. The Bermuda Police Service has our full backing, including whatever resources they may require to bring to justice those who are responsible.
However, Mr Speaker, we cannot do this alone. We need the community's help. I have said this ofttimes before, but the message must be repeated at this crucial time: If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, you must do the right thing and come forward. I know that this is not easy to do but, your courage can make a difference, not just in solving these murders, but for the long-term safety of your family, neighbours and the rest of Bermuda. The police service cannot solve these crimes without your support. No police service can.
Mr Speaker, I understand the reluctance and fear that may exist within our community, but it is vital for the safety and well-being of all that we stand together against this violence. The resilience of the Bermudian people is well-known, and now, more than ever, we must rely on that community strength to put an end to this scourge.
Mr Speaker, in order for us to wrestle this problem properly, we as a community – the WHOLE village, including parents, grandparents, uncles, aunties, godparents, siblings, friends, neighbours – must recognise that this is our problem, and it is ours to fix. Gone are the days when we can ignore what is going on in our neighbourhoods and yes, right in our own homes. I hasten to stress that NO neighbourhood is immune from this scourge and must therefore, collectively take back our village. Only working together can we establish peace and harmony, and ensure a healthy and safe future for our children and grandchildren, who deserve to be raised in a safe environment.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.