The Government is to take a new approach to the war on crime after developing a strategy that “focuses on redemption over punishment” and offers ways for offenders “to integrate into society without stigma”.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, will table the National Violence Reduction Strategy policy document in the House of Assembly on Friday.

At a press conference today, fleshing out some of the pledges from the Throne Speech last week, Mr Weeks said the “comprehensive plan” came from a series of meetings and workshops involving a host of anti-crime agencies and community groups in recent months.

Mr Weeks said: “Recognising the multifaceted nature of violence in Bermuda, whether physical aggression, psychological abuse or antisocial behaviour, we understand that a one-size-fits-all solution would not suffice.

“To address this, we convened a two-day workshop that brought together representatives from government agencies, private sector, faith-based organisations, sports clubs and community organisations.”

Mr Weeks said the workshop had helped to create a strategy based on “prevention, intervention and integration”.

He added: “Importantly, the strategy focuses on redemption over punishment, offering pathways for individuals to reintegrate into society without stigma.

“This includes support for relocation, and opportunities for those seeking different social and economic environments.

“A key component of this strategy is our youth. We believe that by steering young people away from destructive behaviour and harmful mindsets, we aim to prevent the cycle of violence from continuing into future generations.”

Mr Weeks added that the Government was leveraging existing programmes and interventions that promoted “inclusion rather than exclusion”.

He said that one strand of the strategy would involve collaboration between gangsters and their victims, “fostering a community-wide commitment to peace and mutual respect”.

“We stand at a pivotal moment where collective action is essential,“ he said.

“This strategy is a call for all sections of society to stand against violence in all its forms and work towards a future where peace and respect are the norms.

“By uniting our efforts, we can restore the sense of safety and community that previous generations cherished.”

Mr Weeks also confirmed that a drug counselling programme for young people at risk from drug and alcohol abuse would be re-established to address “current gaps” in treatment for adolescents.

Mr Weeks said the programme would give young addicts access to “healing and growth”.

He added that offenders would be given support to complete their education, with funding to be provided for courses at Bermuda College. Training programmes would be expanded to include apprenticeships and overseas training.

A community counselling programme will be broadened to address the emotional and psychological needs of those affected by crime.

Asked by The Royal Gazette why agencies had not worked together previously, Mr Weeks said: “They are — and this strategy is actually a combination of all those groups. This anti-gang violence strategy is a result of all these groups getting together during our two-day workshop.”

Mr Weeks dismissed a suggestion that harsher penalties were a stronger deterrent against crime.

He said: “We have a society that is in the midst of gang violence and we have been working diligently to curb that, and a part of curbing that is to try to help those that have found themselves on the wrong side of justice and reintegrate them back into society.”

Questioned about the lack of manpower within the police service, Mr Weeks said: “We have just hired 25 new police officers who will start this month.

“We are now advertising for 25 more officers, so in February we intend to have 25 more officers.”