Government Has Lost Its Handle on Community
A powerful town hall meeting at St Paul AME Church revealed deep community frustration over gun and gang violence in Bermuda, with Governor Andrew Murdoch, Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, and Police Commissioner Darrin Simons facing tough questions from residents demanding action.
Watch Town Hall
Community Activist Speaks Out
Eugene Dean's Powerful Message
Eugene Dean, a member of the Emperial Group, delivered a stark assessment during Monday night's meeting: "The Governor being here tonight means that the Government has lost its handle on the community. Not only has our government lost its handle, but we as a community have to take responsibility and admit that we lost our handle on our own children."
Dean referenced historical visits by Louis Farrakhan and Elijah Muhammad's son to Bermuda in 2009, claiming that meaningful engagement opportunities were missed. He warned that gang violence would continue beyond the town hall meeting.
Government Response and Action Plan
Strengthen Policing
Increased recruitment, intelligence-led operations, and expanded use of technology to reach 420 officers by year's end.
Invest in Prevention
Expanding youth outreach, mentorship programs, and support for families affected by violence.
Increase Transparency
Regular reporting and enhanced community engagement to keep residents informed.
Opposition Questions Specialist Officer Deployment
Robert King's Concerns
Opposition leader Robert King, Shadow Minister of National Security, questioned the six-month deployment of specialist officers from Britain. "Wouldn't it make more sense to have these critical persons here for two or three years, understanding the importance of their roles and in their area of expertise?" he asked.
Commissioner Simons responded that the force aims to reach approximately 420 officers by year's end, emphasizing this is "a question of capacity rather than capability." He committed to assessing whether officers need to stay beyond the initial six-month period.
Protecting Witnesses and Solving Murders
01
Governor's Call for Information
Andrew Murdoch urged people with information about Bermuda's unsolved murders to speak to police to bring offenders to justice.
02
Enhanced Protection Measures
The Governor's Council is exploring judicially controlled mechanisms to allow witnesses to give evidence while better protecting their identities.
03
Regional Precedents
Officials are examining successful witness protection models from around the Caribbean to implement in Bermuda.
Community Demands Return of Ashay Programme
A Programme That Worked
Lamone Woods urged the Government to restore the Ashay programme that ran from Dellwood Middle School from 2003 to 2008. The programme emphasized identity, self-love, and community before being removed due to budget constraints.
"When tragedy happens, it seems that money can be found, but when it comes to programmes that are good and are doing good, they are defunded," Woods stated. He emphasized that the programme goes "directly to the young Black boys" and addresses the core issues facing the community.
A petition on change.org to restore the Ashay programme has collected 9,670 signatures so far, demonstrating strong community support.
Minister Weeks: "The Government Hears You"
"Monday's town hall on gun and gang violence was a powerful reminder of both the pain and the resolve within our community. I thank every resident who showed up, spoke out and demanded action."
— Michael Weeks, Minister of National Security
Minister Weeks emphasized that the community made clear demands: safer streets, better communication, and more than just words. He stressed that this fight requires participation from parents, mentors, community groups, and every resident.
"Monday night was not the end of the conversation; it was a call to action. Together, we will not allow violence to define our future," Weeks stated.
Full House at St Paul AME Church
420
Target Police Force
Officers expected by year's end
9.6K
Petition Signatures
Supporting Ashay programme return
6
Months
UK specialist officer deployment
The packed venue demonstrated the community's urgent concern about gun and gang violence, with residents from across Bermuda attending to voice their frustrations and demand concrete action from government officials.
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Thieves make off with jewellery in daylight armed robbery.
Southampton Town Hall
New 'harm' index introduced to gauge crime's impact on community.
Weapons Amnesty
Public urged to turn in prohibited weapons to authorities.
A Call to Action for All Bermuda
Moving Forward Together
The town hall meeting represented a critical moment in Bermuda's ongoing struggle with gun and gang violence. With government officials, community activists, and concerned residents all present, the event highlighted both the severity of the crisis and the community's determination to address it.
The path forward requires collaboration between law enforcement, government, community organizations, and families. From restoring proven programmes like Ashay to implementing enhanced witness protection measures, multiple strategies must work in concert to create lasting change.
Community Engagement
Active participation from all residents
Government Action
Concrete policies and funding
Lasting Change
Safer streets for future generations
As Minister Weeks emphasized, this is not just a fight for government or police—it's a fight for all of Bermuda. The community has spoken clearly: the time for action is now.