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OBA backs police fight against new wave of violent crime

Backing: Michael Dunkley of the One Bermuda Alliance (File photograph)

The Opposition One Bermuda Alliance has thrown its support behind the police in its war on violent crime.

Michael Dunkley, the shadow minister for national security, said that the rise in violent crime was a concern and that the Bermuda Police Service needed to have enough resources to tackle the problem.

Mr Dunkley added: “Of course it’s concerning that there have been three gun incidents within a 24 hour period, especially since they happened in different locations on the island.

“When this is coupled with recent gun and knife violence it is clear – tensions are high and the community has a right to be concerned.

“This escalation of violence needs to end quickly and we should all support the Bermuda Police Service. If you know something, say something.”

Mr Dunkley was speaking after a string of shooting incidents in the past two months – including a double murder at the Robin Hood bar and restaurant in Hamilton.

He said: “Obviously, this escalation of gun violence and gang violence means that police resources will be stretched.

“Thus it is incumbent that the BPS are provided with all the resources required to quell the violence and get on top of it and, ultimately, those who have committed these wrongdoings are brought to justice.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels warned gangs last week that they were being targeted by a team of law enforcement agencies.

Mr Daniels said in an interview with The Royal Gazette: “To those shooters who are destabilising our community, just be aware that we are watching you and you will be brought to justice.”

Renee Ming, the national security minister, was sent a series of questions last Thursday.

Ms Ming was asked for her reaction to the latest crime wave, what was being done to combat it and if she had liaised with the police to develop ways to tackle the problem.

The minister was also asked if funding would be was available to ensure the police had the resources to tackle the problem and if she had a message for the public.

She did not respond to the questions.

But a spokesman for the national security ministry issued a statement after the interview with Mr Daniels was published last Friday.

The spokesman said: “The ministry supports the statement issued by the Bermuda Police Service and encourages the community to help bring criminals to justice.”

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Published January 05, 2022 at 7:54 am (Updated January 05, 2022 at 8:14 pm)

OBA backs police fight against new wave of violent crime

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