Ministerial Statement by the Minister of National Security, The Honourable Wayne Caines, JP, MP

Mr. Speaker, one of Bermuda’s most anticipated holidays is quickly approaching. Traditionally, the Cup Match Holiday weekend provides an opportunity for the island to come together to celebrate our heritage and just how far we have come as a people since slaves were emancipated in 1834. In addition to the two days of cricket to be played at Somerset Cricket Club this year, the four day weekend provides several entertainment outlets for the enjoyment of thousands of residents and visitors. 
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise this Honourable House and the public that the Bermuda Police Service has developed a robust policing plan in order to maintain the safety of revelers and spectators at the many events that will take place throughout the weekend. I have met with the BPS, and can confirm that the policing plan is intelligence led, with all stakeholders working together to assess and mitigate the greatest areas of risk.
Mr. Speaker, beginning Wednesday afternoon, the BPS will begin high visibility patrols and will actively use “Stop and Search” powers. For the duration of the holiday weekend, there will be additional overnight watches with up to 50 police officers above standard levels to deal with any increases in illegal or antisocial activities. In total, there will be approximately 150 police officers deployed throughout the weekend. The men and women of the BPS will be bolstered by the Reserve Police and Royal Bermuda Regiment.
Mr. Speaker, at the Cup Match grounds, there will be up to 50 officers per day, with a command centre on site at the field. This year, for the first time, CCTV cameras will cover the grounds at SCC, with the cameras monitored by BPS and the club’s private security personnel. It is anticipated that this level of surveillance will allow the BPS to identify any areas of concern and quickly act to avoid escalation. I am hopeful that every individual that visits the Cup Match grounds will have an enjoyable time and act responsibly in the celebratory spirit of the Holiday.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will know that on Emancipation Day, the first day of Cup Match, the Match is not the only place where large crowds gather. Horseshoe Bay Beach will play host to one of the busiest beach days of the year. Thirty-one officers of the BPS along with several Department of Parks Rangers will be present to maintain order. I encourage beachgoers to respect the orders of BPS and Rangers in the best interest of their own safety and the preservation of the natural beauty of our beach for all of our continued enjoyment.
The effects of underage drinking remain a major concern for the weekend. Mr. Speaker, I wish to appeal to parents and guardians of minors to do their part in preventing the consumption of alcohol underage. In addition to the increased risk of violent anti-social behavior following alcohol consumption, the heat and surf at the beach make intoxication especially dangerous. I encourage all parents and guardians to talk to their children about making responsible decisions. Adults are reminded that it is against the law to provide minors with alcohol, and are discouraged from doing so.
Mr. Speaker, in order to combat drink driving, roadside sobriety checkpoints will be setup at strategic locations throughout the weekend. Over the next few days, in accordance with the Road Traffic (Road Sobriety Checkpoints) 2018, the location of these checkpoints will be made available to the public. The public is asked to be prepared for these stops.
The best way to mitigate the inconvenience of being stopped is for the public to ensure that they do not drink and drive. If you are found to be under the influence and in control of a vehicle, you will be arrested.
On Sunday, Mr. Speaker, many boats will take to the water to close out the weekend activities. In conjunction with the Regiment, the BPS will maintain high visibility with 6 vessels on continuous patrols. Boaters are encouraged to adhere to all maritime laws and exercise courteous and responsible marine behaviour.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of National Security’s Coordinated Crisis Response Team will be activated for the holiday weekend. The Crisis Team works to restore peace in the community and assist family members, friends or witnesses in the immediate aftermath of violent incidents. The team has identified four available hubs in the western end: Agape Faith in Dockyard, Beulah Tabernacle in Somerset, and Vernon Temple AME and Southampton SDA in Southampton. In the event of a major crisis, members of the Crisis Response Team will be available at one of these locations to lend assistance to any effected members of the public.
Mr. Speaker, the Cup Match Holiday is festive period, whichever way we chose to celebrate. The Bermuda Police Service, and its partner agencies, aim to ensure that the festivities remain safe and free of anti-social behaviour. Ahead of the weekend’s events, I wish to thank all of our enforcement and emergency agencies for their tireless work. Let us all work together to make sure that the 2018 Cup Match holiday can be remembered for the many enjoyable experiences had, and is not marred by any major disturbances or road traffic incidents. 
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.