Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, is right: every Bermudian wants to feel safe. In our homes, on our roads, at school and in our communities. We all share that same goal, and I welcome his call for collaboration. Our island faces serious challenges, and now is the time for real partnership, leadership and solutions.

I agree with the minister when he says, “What people want is real action. What they deserve are real results.”

That is exactly what I and the One Bermuda Alliance are calling for — not to point fingers, but to highlight urgent issues that need attention, and to work together on solutions that will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

It is understandable that strong concerns about national security may feel personal — the responsibility weighs heavily. But this is not about political games. It’s about protecting Bermudians and restoring a sense of security in our communities. As the Government, the Progressive Labour Party holds the tools, authority and public trust to lead on these matters. And I believe we can achieve more, together.

Let me offer a few concrete steps that could move us forward:

1, Transparency and accountability in cybersecurity

After the cyberattack in September 2023, a report was completed that November. Bermudians still don’t know the scope of the breach, the risks posed, or what is being done to prevent future attacks. Let’s make the report’s findings public, outline the measures taken and launch a public education campaign so people know how to protect their data.

2, Speed up implementation of domestic violence and gang intervention programmes

The Domestic Violence Court and the co-ordinated multidisciplinary intervention team programmes remain inactive. These two programmes are critical to addressing cycles of abuse, reducing adverse childhood experiences, and intervening before youth turn to violence or crime. Let’s set public timelines for their full implementation and share progress updates quarterly.

3, Invest in police resources strategically

The Bermuda Police Service remain understaffed. We support Mr Weeks’s acknowledgement of the need for better infrastructure and financing. Let’s work together to identify recruitment strategies and consider reassigning overseas deployments to ensure local coverage is not compromised.

4, Engage in a public crime and safety strategy review

Let’s create a national safety strategy review board made up of bipartisan MPs, community leaders, police and youth advocates. This board would meet quarterly and publish recommendations focused on reducing violent crime, supporting victims and restoring trust in law enforcement.

Mr Weeks did extend an invitation for me to meet with him on March 31 at 2pm. What is concerning is that the invitation was sent via the Opposition leader, Jarion Richardson, with Mr Weeks providing his contact number. Why would the minister choose to send an invite via a third party when he claims that he is seeking to collaborate on solutions and not playing political games.

The minister has my contact details already and I have his from our previous communications regarding CCTV cameras that were installed on Loyal Hill in 2024 against the protestations of the community. (On the expert advice of the police to promote community safety, the cameras remained in place until the eve of the election, when they were removed. This raises the question: Is this government really concerned about the safety and security of the community, or is it really about politics?)

However, Mr Weeks’s pattern of extending an invitation and then not responding to texts or phone calls, despite it being previously agreed, is his pattern. The meeting on March 31 did not take place; nor was communication received from Mr Weeks on that date or prior that it would not take place. I phoned him on the day of the meeting to confirm that it was happening. The response was silence. I subsequently reached out to him the next day and heard nothing until April 2.

I am available to discuss and develop a plan to reduce serious crimes of violence when the minister is ready to do what he says he will do. I will not, as he suggested in the House of Assembly, keep banging on his door and calling him repeatedly until he decides to respond to an elected Member of Parliament. Either he is vested in his position as Minister of National Security or he is not. People are dying unnecessarily in this island. People are sustaining trauma and physical harm, and are suffering in silence. This is not a game, Minister Weeks.

This is not about politics; it’s about leadership. And I believe Mr Weeks has shown in the past that he understands the importance of standing up for the vulnerable. In 2018, as the Minister of Social Development and Sport, he took a strong position in investigating allegations of abuse against children in care. That’s the kind of leadership we need today, and I would gladly stand beside that same commitment now.

We all deserve a Bermuda that is safe, fair and full of opportunity. Let us show the people of this island that we can come together, focus on solutions, and take meaningful steps forward.

• Robert King is the Shadow Minister of National Security and the One Bermuda Alliance MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10)