Cabinet evacuated by bomb squad (UPDATE 3)

Police said the package, found by a staff member, was not deemed to be explosive but an unknown substance was inside.

Cabinet members, including Premier Paula Cox and Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess, Senators and staff stood on the outskirts of the grounds on Front Street as police officers and firefighters combed the area after 11am.

Members of Bermuda’s bomb squad — the Emergency Ordinance Disposal Unit — were also at the scene. Police stood guard at every entrance to the grounds to ensure no one entered.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said yesterday: “Police responded to reports of a suspicious package at the Cabinet grounds minutes to 11am. Upon arrival, it was ascertained that a member of Cabinet came upon the package.

“Certain protocols went into place and the Emergency Ordinance Disposal Unit was called and the Bermuda Fire Service.

“The package was removed and the entire Cabinet ground were evacuated.

“We are now awaiting to find out what is inside the package.”

A Government analyst was called and the substance was deemed not to be a threat to anyone.