Police out in force for holiday weekend
An extra 50 police officers will be deployed over the Bermuda Day holiday, it was revealed today.
Wayne Caines, the national security minister, said officers will use their powers to stop and search in a bid to ensure a safe weekend,
He added: “They will be at the ready in the event that their services are needed, should any tense situations arise.”
Mr Caines said: “I wish to reassure the public that this government takes the safety and protection of all its citizens extremely seriously.
“We will not have our national holiday marred by the actions of those who seek to instil fear and mayhem in our community. We will not tolerate any anti social behaviour and bad actors will be held to account.”
Mr Caines was speaking at a joint press conference with police Superintendent Darrin Simons to outline security measures for the three-day holiday.
Mr Simons said officers would be out in force on land and on the water to keep the peace.
Mr Caines highlighted recent violent acts, including a shot fired through a window at a Front Street bar earlier this month, that had disturbed the relative peace of the last six months.
He said he had met Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva to discuss manpower and deployment since the incident.
Mr Simons, a gold firearms incident commander, added the public should expect to see more police on the streets, extra patrols and use of stop and search powers.
The Gang Violence Reduction team will also help with police operations.
Mr Simons told the public: “Acts of anti social behaviour will not be tolerated — if you see something say something. 295-0011 or if it’s an emergency dial 911.”
Mr Simons added that people should take extra care on the roads and the water.
He said road users should allow extra time for travel due to traffic delays connected with weekend events.
Mr Caines added: “Bermuda Day is a time to come together as a community and celebrate one another.
“It’s about embracing our unique heritage with family, friends and the special people we meet throughout the day.
“We want to uphold and celebrate these traditions without the concern of violence or antisocial behaviour.
“Bermuda has enjoyed a relatively peaceful period for six months, and this Government will do its part to maintain a level of peace, safety and security for all who reside in this island.”
Superintendent Darrin Simons on the holiday weekend:
The annual Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby will start in Somerset and finish in the City of Hamilton. The Bermuda Bicycle Association will also start their race from Somerset, and it will finish in the City of Hamilton.
The Bermuda Police Service and the race organisers will have officers and marshals positioned along the route. They are there to minimise risks to all road users, especially the cyclists and runners. We are asking the motoring public to fully cooperate with any direction given.
On Friday, the roads along the race route will close at 8:30am. Therefore persons in the West End who are travelling on morning flights need to be sure they are at the airport before 8am. The roads will be opened when it is deemed safe and delays of up to an hour and a half or more should be expected.
The road closures will be in effect from 8:30am until around noon. In addition:
• No traffic will be allowed to travel in either direction during the cycle race.
• No traffic will be allowed to travel in the opposite direction to the marathon runners.
Bermuda Day Parade:
The Bermuda Day parade starts at 1:30pm. Spectators should not obstruct the participants in the parade.
Officers of the Royal Bermuda Regiment will be on hand to assist. Please make sure you comply with any of their directions.
Start: Bernard Park (Dutton Avenue), Marsh Folly Road, Cedar Avenue, Church Street, Court Street, Front Street, Queen Street to City Hall car park.
No parking areas will be clearly marked, and specific road closure times are contained in the gazetted notices.
Marine:
This weekend marks the unofficial start of boating season. There will also be a visible marine police presence, supplemented by the Bermuda Reserve Police.
Members of the boating public should always exercise care and caution around other vessels and be on the lookout for swimmers. Speed is an issue not only in maritime collisions, but it also creates a general nuisance that affects boaters at anchor near the shoreline. To that end, the 5 knot – no wake zones will be strictly enforced.
We also discourage persons from mixing any use of alcohol with power-boat operating or sailing.
Road Safety:
The motoring public should be mindful that the police will be highly visible on the roads.
In addition to calming the roads there will be an emphasis on offences such as speeding, impaired driving and driving without due care and attention.
Remember, road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Loud Music:
Loud music complaints both in residential neighbourhoods and on the water are a problem associated with this holiday and we accept that the celebration of Bermuda Day brings with it a party atmosphere.
We ask a couple things of the public: patience and tolerance on the part of the persons who enjoy a more somber celebration, along with a display of respect and courtesy on the part of those who like to party hard.
We encourage members of the communities that they live in to work together to keep the peace in the neighbourhood, in an effort to avoid the involvement of the police.
Our final message again this year is to encourage everyone to exercise patience, tolerance and caution so that we all have a good time.
