The recent op-ed by OBA MP Robert King presented a distorted, pessimistic view that undermines the efforts of those who are working every day to build a safer Bermuda.

Misleading Claims About Unsolved Murders

MP King states there are “35 unsolved murders.” What he fails to mention is that these cases date back over twenty years, some from when the OBA was in power.

• Key Fact: Operational control of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS), the body responsible for investigating those murders, is the direct responsibility of the Governor—not the government of the day.

• This omission suggests that the OBA either didn’t know this fact or is deliberately using an emotive issue to deceive Bermudians for political gain.

Public Cooperation: Essential to Solving Crimes

What MP King also failed to mention is that public cooperation is a key component to solving cases and bringing criminals to justice—not politicians.

Our Government's Record on Community Safety

As your government, we have taken substantial action to ensure the safety of our communities:

Strengthening Law Enforcement

• Increased Funding for the Bermuda Police Service.

• 30 New Police Officers: Funding allocated with a recruitment drive in progress.

• Invested in New Equipment: Additional vehicles and technology for the BPS.

• CCTV Cameras Installed: Enhanced surveillance across the island.

• Witness Protection Programme: Launched Bermuda’s first in 2010.

Addressing Road Safety

• Increased Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints.

• Public Campaigns Targeting Impaired Driving: Hundreds of random sobriety stops and citations issued in 2024 alone.

• While no government can prevent a tragic split-second decision, we remain committed to prevention and education.

Tackling Youth Violence

• National Violence Reduction Strategy Launched.

• National Youth Strategy Launched.

• Expanded Funding: For early intervention, mental health support, and rehabilitation programmes.

• Education and Awareness: Programs to equip parents with tools to recognize warning signs of gang involvement, bullying, and emotional struggles in their children.

• Community and Job-Training Programs: Providing young people with constructive outlets for their energy and creativity.

• Increased Funding for Youth Initiatives: Promoting leadership, discipline, and self-respect.

• Peer Mediation Programs and Conflict Resolution Training: Helping young people handle disputes peacefully.

A Comprehensive Approach to Safety

The OBA may believe that tougher policing is the only answer, but we know better. We understand that to truly tackle crime, we must also address the root causes:

• Poverty.

• Lack of Education.

• Mental Health Challenges.

• Family Dysfunction.

Honouring the Efforts of Those on the Frontlines

We know that the work isn’t finished. But to suggest that nothing is being done isn’t true, and it is unfair to the men and women on the frontlines who work tirelessly to keep Bermudians safe.

A Call for Unity, Not Division

The OBA may believe that this is the time for tearing each other down, but we believe it’s time for teamwork.

We invite the OBA to move beyond the politics of fear and join us in building a Bermuda that is not only safer, but fairer, more united, and more hopeful for every family.