Man arrested after allegedly threatening Zane DeSilva outside Cabinet

The man is said to have verbally abused the Minister as he arrived for a regular meeting of the Cabinet.

Now Minister for National Security Wayne Perinchief is to carry out a review of security in and around Cabinet Office.

Mr DeSilva confirmed last night: “I was verbally threatened — it was definitely alarming enough for me to call the police.

“I’ve played team sports and I work in construction — I’m not one to make a fuss over nothing. You can never be too careful these days. I know who it was, that’s for sure. But at this stage, I really don’t want to comment. I want to let the police do whatever they need to do.

“These things happen — it’s unfortunate, but it’s the world we live in, I suppose.”

Mr DeSilva said he suffered no physical injury during the incident.

The Bermuda Sun is aware of the name of the man arrested but decided not to publish it for legal reasons.

The incident happened around 3:20pm.

A police spokesman said: “Police responded to a reported disturbance at the Cabinet Office. On their arrival, it was alleged that a 51-year-old man from Hamilton Parish had acted in a threatening manner towards a minister.

“The man was arrested and taken to Hamilton police station. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Mr Perinchief said: “Any intrusion into Cabinet grounds by anyone, especially if they are approached and asked to leave, it’s upsetting.

“We don’t want to raise the level of security to the point where people can’t come in to Cabinet Office grounds. We are an open society and an open government. But I am in discussion with the Premier and I will make suggestions to increase security at the Cabinet Office.