Whenever there is a spike in violent crimes, where helmets with tinted visors are utilised, the debate calling for the ban of tinted visors raises its head.

As far back as May of 2011, the then Minister of National Security, Wayne Perinchief JP, MP, in response to a spike in violent crimes and the use of helmets with tinted visors during these heinous acts, coupled with the public outcry that ensued, promised to bring legislation to address this dire issue and to outlaw the use of tinted visors once and for all.

Early in 2015, the PLP Caucus had a robust debate discussing the outlawing of tinted visors for the reasons aforementioned — the spike in violent crime and the use of these tinted visors as a veil of protection by those committing such crimes.

The recent debate regarding tinted visors is not new. This writer, in conjunction with Shadow Minister of Transport Lawrence Scott JP, MP, tabled a Take Note Motion due to be debated in the last Parliamentary session of the House of Assembly. Notwithstanding, other matters such as the building of a new airport, the America’s Cup and the like, took precedence, delaying the debate.

However, we fully intend to retable the motion in the upcoming session of the House of Assembly beginning in November of 2015.

The Progressive Labour Party recognises that there is a minority committing these crimes. However, we made a conscious decision to take the stance of having these accessories to crime — the tinted visors — outlawed and ultimately banned in the interest of public safety.

My friends, this is a very important matter, and one which we cannot make a political issue. It is of national importance. For those who want to make it a political issue, to say why didn’t the PLP do it? Well, just a reminder, before the last election, this vital issue was on the radar of the then Government. Notwithstanding, we cannot discuss such a vital topic on a whim or just speak about it when it is convenient. Someone may ask, “how will this banning of visors be done?” And certainly, there are several options, ie, opportunities for a visor “buy-back scheme”. Also, businesses could be given assistance in returning their stock. So, this and other options could be discussed in the legislature.

I remain disturbed that the Premier of this country in The Royal Gazette of Tuesday, September 15, was reported to have said, “it is unfair to suddenly ban a vital piece of personal road safety equipment to address the criminal behaviour of a small number of individuals”.

News bulletin Mr Premier aka Minister of National Security, the public has been calling for the banning of tinted visors for quite some time.

The recent poll conducted by the daily showed that 71 per cent are in favour of the ban of the dark-tinted visors. That is nearly equivalent to three out of four persons.

The recent public debate regarding tinted visors is not new. Those of you in the minority regarding this issue, your voice too, has been heard. In my opinion, the outcry against tinted visors is not about placing restrictions on law abiding motorists; rather it represents steps the public are willing to take to address recent spikes in violent crime; and perhaps, assist law enforcement in identifying the culprits.

What happens next is uncertain but we all should prepare for change. Our criminal population thrive on a “business-as-usual” mentality. We should embrace and consider all avenues that may help us achieve a safe and secure community.

Globally, tinted visors are a concern for larger countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. In certain segments of these jurisdictions, tinted visors are illegal and could result in a traffic citation or fine.

Usually in these cases tinted visors constitute a public safety hazard and are considered unsafe, particularly at night.

When riding at night, visibility tends to be less than ideal. Thus the visor is removed or pushed up.

In other countries with busy urban areas like Malaysia, motor cycles are used in the same fashion we use them in Bermuda. These jurisdictions are also considering banning tinted visors because of their use in hiding the identity of those committing violent crime.

Many of our business establishments already have policies in place that prohibit patrons from wearing helmets inside their premises.

When considering any changes in legislation or policy, the needs and safety of the people must come first before any economic or big business consideration. Therefore, when Parliament reconvenes, let’s, as a country, insist that this urgent matter be addressed.

Let’s tackle this post haste.

• Michael Weeks is a PLP MP and Shadow Minister of Sport