The Progressive Labour Party has criticised a social-media post by the shadow finance minister that lamented recent violent crimes and a traffic collision, calling it an attempt to “score cheap political points”.

Douglas De Couto posted on X a screen grab of The Royal Gazette website’s homepage, circling three stories related to the incidents including a stabbing on Horseshoe Bay Beach that turned out to be fatal, a stabbing on Front Street and collision between two trucks.

With the image, Dr De Couto wrote: “We need change in our country”.

Neville Tyrrell, the PLP MP for Warwick South Central, wrote in a statement: “While a family is mourning and Bermudians are looking for solutions, it is deeply concerning that the opposition One Bermuda Alliance seems to be more interested in attempting to score cheap political points.”

Jarion Richardson, the Opposition leader, said Dr De Couto was merely pointing out what many had expressed, “that the actions on Bermuda Day did not reflect what the day was supposed to be for many”, and that community leaders needed to step up.

Mr Tyrrell said: “The Tweet by the OBA's Doug De Couto was in extremely poor taste and highly inappropriate and we condemn it without reservation. We hope that Opposition leader Jarion Richardson will join with us in this stance.

“The death of a young Bermudian should not be about baseless political finger-pointing and playing the blame game by the OBA. Senseless violence in the community is not a PLP or OBA problem. It is a Bermuda problem.

“It will require all of us to put our heads and hearts together to stem the increase of violence and social ills in our community.

“We reiterate our sorrow and support for the families impacted during this extremely sad time and renew our call for all witnesses to come forward so that justice may be done.”

Mr Richardson responded: “During the holiday intended to highlight what’s best in our culture, we saw aggression, violence and tragedy.

“Shadow Minister of National Security Ben Smith made a public statement expressing our sorrow and condolences to those affected.

“It’s unpleasant to talk about these things, but that’s how accountability works. Defunding road maintenance and policing leads to more road traffic accidents.

“A flailing economy means families have less time to pass on life lessons. And filling politics with inflammatory, derogatory language gives permission for the same, if not worse, in our community.

“Like every Bermudian, I wish our community was safe and orderly. But wishes are no replacement for immediate, clear action to stop this behaviour from eroding our community.

“Until community leaders return to conducting themselves with dignity, mutual respect and co-operation, residents of Bermuda will find themselves repeating this conversation many times in the future.”

•It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case.