Good afternoon, everyone.
Thank you for joining us today. I am pleased to be joined by Chairman Altonio Roberts of the Bermuda Road Safety Council and Mr. Anthony Santucci of CADA as we come together ahead of the Cup Match holiday . . . a time that brings Bermudians together to celebrate our history, culture, and the longstanding traditions that make this weekend so special.
Cup Match is one of the highlights of our calendar, with families and friends gathering to enjoy the cricket, camping, boating, and social events across the island. As we look forward to these celebrations, it is important that we all do our part to ensure they remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.
I want to reinforce a simple but important reminder: enjoy the holiday responsibly.
In a few moments, Chairman Roberts will speak about the Bermuda Road Safety Council's “Drive Responsibly, Arrive Safely" call to action. It is a message that deserves our full attention. I encourage every road user to stay focused, respect the rules of the road, avoid distractions such as mobile phones, and never operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
We now have Ridesharing in Bermuda, and this is an amazing option for transportation. Remember that a single poor decision can have lasting consequences for individuals, families, and our community.
The same responsibility extends to the water. As many residents and visitors head out by boat over the holiday weekend, I urge everyone to put safety first. I encourage all boaters to prepare properly, ensure their vessels are equipped with the necessary safety equipment, comply with Bermuda's maritime regulations, and look out for everyone sharing our waters.
I also want to acknowledge the continued partnership between the Bermuda Road Safety Council and CADA in promoting responsible choices throughout the Cup Match holiday. Their outreach, including their presence at BeachFest, plays an important role in encouraging safe celebrations and helping to reduce impaired driving and underage drinking.
Cup Match is about community, sportsmanship, and enjoying time with those around us. Whether your allegiance is to Somerset or St. George's, let's work together to ensure this year's holiday is remembered for great memories, not preventable tragedies.
Thank you.
