Setting the Record Straight: Pastor Leroy Bean’s Dedication to Ending Gang Violence
It is unfortunate that the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) would attempt to malign the efforts of Pastor Leroy Bean, a man who has dedicated his life to addressing one of Bermuda’s most pressing challenges: the cycle of gang violence.
A History of Inaction by the OBA
In 2017, Pastor Bean was tasked with tackling a deeply entrenched social issue that the OBA failed to address during their time in government.
While no one claims that gang violence can be solved overnight, it is important to recognize that the groundwork laid by Pastor Bean and his team has included:
✔ Increased funding for intervention initiatives
✔ Community outreach
✔ Relationship-building with at-risk youth
This work, while difficult and complex, has provided support for many Bermudians, and there are many success stories.
The OBA’s Misplaced Priorities
Under the OBA, social programmes designed to:
❌ Educate and train Bermudians
❌ Provide pathways away from the streets
…were slashed, while over $100 million was diverted towards a billionaire boat race that benefited only a privileged few.
The PLP’s Commitment to Fighting Crime & Violence
By contrast, the PLP government has:
✔ Created a National Violence Reduction Strategy (which was supported in Parliament by the OBA)
✔ Expanded funding to boost police numbers and give the BPS more tools to fight crime
✔ Built a new CCTV system
✔ Restored & increased funding that the OBA took away for education and scholarships
✔ Increased investment in rehabilitation programmes
✔ Expanded programs to tackle not just crime, but its root causes
📌 In the last year alone, 12 firearms have been recovered.
The OBA’s Hollow Criticism & Lack of Solutions
The OBA’s shrill, personal attacks ring hollow when compared with their track record of prioritizing the interests of the privileged over the well-being of the wider community.
Furthermore, their latest statement doesn’t include a single solution or proposal on what they would do to tackle violence.
It is clear that they cannot lead or engage in real, substantive conversations on this topic.
A Safer Bermuda for All
The Progressive Labour Party remains committed to:
✔ Reducing violence
✔ Empowering communities
✔ Ensuring every Bermudian feels safe in their homes and neighbourhoods
Pastor Bean’s candidacy in Constituency 5 reflects our belief in grassroots leadership and his unwavering commitment to Bermuda’s youth.
Reject Divisive Tactics, Focus on Real Issues
As we move toward Election Day, we encourage all Bermudians to:
✔ Focus on the real issues at hand
✔ Reject the OBA’s divisive tactics
Together, we can continue to build a safer, fairer, and more united Bermuda for all.