Take back our village, urges minister after spate of violence
Bermuda needs to “collectively take back our village” and stand together against the scourge of violence, the Minister of National Security said yesterday.
The island has been left in a state of shock after a series of horrific crimes. Earlier this week, two men were shot dead near Fort Scaur in Somerset.
On Sunday, a family of four, including two children aged 4 and 9, were found dead at a house on South Terrace, Pembroke. Last month, Diante Trimm, a 37-year-old mother of five, was shot dead at the same property.
“These gruesome murders brought the number of homicides in Bermuda in the past six weeks to six. Six murders in six weeks,” Michael Weeks told the House.
“These include the shocking discovery of four lifeless people inside their home in Pembroke, which occurred a month after a mother was fatally shot in her home at the same property.
“This is a closely knit community, like so many neighbourhoods throughout our country, and they are reeling from this horrific event.”
The minister told MPs in the House of Assembly: “These senseless acts of violence have torn at the very fabric of our society, and we share in the grief and pain felt by those who knew and loved these individuals.”
The Minister of Health also made a statement to MPs, reminding people of support available.
“Bermuda is mourning the recent tragic losses that have touched us all. My heart aches as we reflect on the deaths that have occurred this week. I am deeply saddened and shocked by this news,” Kim Wilson said.
“As the Premier and the Minister of National Security have indicated, our country has been profoundly impacted by these tragic events.
“The pain we feel as a community is immense, and the mental and emotional wellbeing of our people has been profoundly shaken.
“In these difficult and testing times, we must pause, reflect and support one another.
“If you or someone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to seek help. We must be vigilant and compassionate, looking out for our neighbours, friends and loved ones.
“Check in on each other, offer a listening ear, and pay attention to signs that someone may be struggling. Even a small gesture of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
“Though these tragedies may not affect each of us directly, we are a close-knit community, and the ripples of these losses touch us all.
“Whether within your family, among friends, at church, or in your workplace, someone you know is grieving. Let us come together to support one another and prioritise our mental and emotional health.”
Who to call:
• Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute mainline: 239-1111, which connects to a 24-hour mental health crisis line, or 236-3770
• Red Cross psychosocial first aider: call 236-8253 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday
• Additionally, Family Centre offers resources and support for parents and children experiencing grief. It provides a grief support tip sheet for parents, covering topics such as creating a supportive environment, memorial activities for children, talking about a tragic death, managing fears and anxieties, recognising and addressing grief in children, and seeking professional help
• To access therapeutic grief support for children between the ages of 4 and 18, call Family Centre on 232-1116 and ask to speak with a screener
Reiterating comments made by the Premier, David Burt, at a press conference on the murders this week Mr Weeks said the police had the Government’s full backing, “including whatever resources they may require to bring to justice those who are responsible”.
“However, we cannot do this alone. We need the community’s help.”
Imploring Bermudians to come forward, Mr Weeks said: “The police service cannot solve these crimes without your support. No police service can.
“I have said this ofttimes before, but the message must be repeated at this crucial time: if you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, you must do the right thing and come forward.
“I know that this is not easy to do, but your courage can make a difference, not just in solving these murders, but for the long-term safety of your family, neighbours and the rest of Bermuda.
“I understand the reluctance and fear that may exist within our community, but it is vital for the safety and wellbeing of all that we stand together against this violence.
“The resilience of the Bermudian people is well known, and now, more than ever, we must rely on that community strength to put an end to this scourge.”
The minister added: “In order for us to wrestle this problem properly, we as a community, the whole village, including parents, grandparents, uncles, aunties, godparents, siblings, friends, neighbours, must recognise that this is our problem, and it is ours to fix.
“Gone are the days when we can ignore what is going on in our neighbourhoods and yes, right in our own homes.
“I hasten to stress that no neighbourhood is immune from this scourge and must therefore, collectively take back our village.”
Urging people to “break the silence”, Mr Weeks added: “Only by working together can we establish peace and harmony, and ensure a healthy and safe future for our children and grandchildren, who deserve to be raised in a safe environment.”
In a statement to the House, Mr Burt reiterated that the Government was committed to working with Government House “to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents”.
Pleading with people not to turn a blind eye to what was going on, he added: “I must also plead with the parents of Bermuda and remind them that they are not alone.
“We know when there are signs that our children may not be on the right path, but sometimes we want to deny that it is our child.
“Parents, please know that help is available, please let the helping agencies assist with the intervention efforts that have diverted many of our young people from a negative path.”
• People can call the confidential Crime Stoppers Hotline on 800-8477 which is staffed by people located overseas, ensuring anonymity and security
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• To read the full statement by the Minister of National Security as well as Family Centre’s grief support tip sheet, see Related Media
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