Minister calls for vigilance after Pembroke shooting
Heightened patrols in parts of the island were expected as an investigation continued into a shooting on Thursday night that left a man in hospital.
Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, urged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
His call came after the Bermuda Police Service said that multiple reports were received of shots heard in the area of St Monica’s Road, Pembroke, at about 10.35pm.
Officers attended the scene and discovered that a man had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim was taken by a private vehicle to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. A BPS spokesman said this morning that his injuries were considered non-life-threatening.
Police wished to hear from anyone who might have seen suspicious individuals or activity in the area of St Monica’s Road prior to or shortly after the shooting.
Residents with security cameras were asked to check the devices for footage. The investigating officer, Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa, can be reached on 717-2240 or via e-mail at adonawaw@bps.bm
Mr Weeks, who is the MP for Pembroke East Central, which includes the location of the incident, said yesterday: “In light of the shooting on St Monica’s Road last evening, I want to reassure our community that public safety remains our top priority.
“We are actively investigating the incident, supporting the injured and intensifying patrols in affected areas to deter violence and protect residents.
“I urge everyone to remain vigilant, secure your homes and report any suspicious activity or information to the appropriate authorities.
“If you see something, say something — your vigilance can prevent further harm and help bring perpetrators to justice.
“Together, we will restore safety and confidence in our neighbourhoods.”
Robert King, the Shadow Minister of National Security, said in the wake of a shooting at St Monica’s Road in Pembroke: “Gun violence in Bermuda must stop.
“My thoughts are with the victim of this latest shooting and his family and we are thankful that no lives were lost.”
He added: “This incident is not isolated; it is part of a deeply troubling pattern. The increase in gun violence in our community is undeniable, and the human cost is simply too high.
“Easter is a time that calls us to renewal, to hope and to reconciliation. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is a responsibility to choose a better path. That is the call before us today.
“We must be clear: violence cannot be allowed to define us. The normalisation of gun violence is unacceptable. It requires not only a law enforcement response, but a whole-of-community approach, one that addresses root causes, strengthens prevention and rebuilds a culture of respect for life.
“This is a moment for leadership and for action. We are calling for a strengthened and co-ordinated strategy to disrupt the flow of illegal firearms and real action and results towards protecting our community.
“Let us all commit to choosing peace, to value life over anger, retaliation or pride. To those who may feel trapped in cycles of violence: there is another way and support is available in the community.”
Mr King said Easter should be “a collective commitment to building safer communities, to protecting our young people and to restoring a sense of peace and security for all”.
“Enough is enough. The time for decisive action and for unity is now.
“There is support available: Gina Spence: 296-0016 or 707-5224; Saving Lives: 747-7786; Masc: 601-6272; Crime Stoppers: 800-8477; AME Church: 295-0505; Robert King: 737-8813.”
The shooting came hours after an appeal for community spirit from Acting Detective Chief Inspector Kenten Trott, who is responsible for the BPS’s civil plan over the holiday weekend.
In a video posted on social media, he said: “We just want to remind everyone, as we always do, to drive with care, caution and consideration, make sure that you don’t drink and drive, and our usual messaging to you about the holiday and the enhanced police presence.
“This weekend I also want to remind everybody and do something a little different, just to spread some love.
“This is a community-oriented weekend and events, people are going to be going to various fields, people are going to be going to various churches, people are going to be doing various events with one another.
“So this weekend, as my godpa Bishop Duncan said, ‘Let’s spread a little more love’.”
He added: “We’re asking everyone to please look out for one another, look out for your neighbour, look out for your friend and let’s have a safe and peaceful holiday weekend.”
Mr Trott said in a post on Friday: “As you guys might have been aware, there was an unfortunate firearm incident last evening where someone was injured.
“We’re asking if anybody has any information relative to that particular matter to contact the police via 211 or 911.
“We’re appealing for any witnesses or anyone who knows anything.
“You can always contact the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline as well.”
In an earlier appeal, police asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the BPS on 295-0011 or the independent Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.
Alternatively, witnesses can share information with a police officer with whom they are familiar or via the community reporting page, portal.police.bm.
• UPDATE: this article has been updated with the latest remarks from the BPS
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