Community must come together to help those affected by shootings

FRIDAY, MAY 25: Residents of Rambling Lane, Fentons Drive and Curving Avenue and I have met throughout the past 48 hours to discuss the ongoing investigation into the recent shooting in this community. Over the last few days, the Bermuda Police Service has been working around the clock to monitor this disturbing incident and to coordinate with witnesses and residents about a way forward.

During meals and doorstep conversations, I have urged members of this community to work with each other, with the police and with community leaders in any way they can to assist those in need of support. Meanwhile, I think all Bermudians should give thanks to the tireless work that's being done by the Bermuda Police Service, Crime Stoppers Bermuda and the residents of Pembroke South East who stand up and offer assistance to their neighbors shaken by this violence. They represent the very best of our island and its values.

I wish to extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. His suffering and the suffering of this neighborhood is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats of retaliation and continued violence. These actions violate our norms, our way of life. This violence must stop.

In volatile situations like these, it is imperative that we as a community speak with one voice, and that must be our focus. The PLP candidate for this constituency, Rolfe Commissiong has just expressed his condemnation for this shooting, and at his swearing-in ceremony yesterday His Excellency, Governor George Fergusson sent a clear message that gang violence was an ‘immediate challenge’ for the police and community to tackle. I share these feelings and acknowledge that crime and the fear of crime will, for the time being, be a challenge for Bermuda and here in Pembroke South East. As I’ve said before I am committed to dealing with crime in this constituency. I will continue to foster relationships with the residents to take ownership of their deepest concerns and problems – big and small. I will continue to engage the central community action teams and investigators of the BPS and I will continue to take time to talk to those involved in the gang subculture here in Pembroke South East. Without knowing the specifics and depth of gang violence, we cannot realistically begin to manage it.

This is not simply a concern of Pembroke South East, however. The entire island is watching. Bermudian families living or studying overseas are watching too. The change that needs to take place in this neighborhood will be driven by an engaged and empowered community.

As one resident who heard Tuesday’s gunshots asked me yesterday, “Am I still shaking? I can’t tell anymore. I live in constant fear.” Security is both a feeling and a reality – and the two are not the same. We need to continue to work with the various agencies that actually make us more safe and secure. And I will ensure that an equal amount of emphasis is placed on making this community feel safe and secure, through positive engagement and promoting social crime prevention programs.

The feeling and reality of security need to be present again in Pembroke South East. They are both critical for empowerment. And, they are both critical for those residents who can no longer sense when they are shaking in fear.