Gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped students and teachers from St. Mary’s school in the northwest of the country on Friday
Belongings and clothes left behind at St. Mary’s School, in Papiri, Niger state, Nigeria, in an undated handout image obtained by Reuters on November 23, 2025, following reports of a kidnapping of more than 300 children and staff from the Catholic school on November 21, 2025. Social Communications Department/Catholic Diocese of Kontagora/Handout via REUTERS
International News via Reuters:
Pope Leo asked on Sunday for the immediate release of children and staff abducted this week from a Catholic school in Nigeria, one of the worst mass kidnappings ever recorded there.
Gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped students and teachers from St. Mary’s school in the northwest of the country on Friday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said, the latest in a spate of school attacks this week that has forced the government to shut 47 colleges.
CAN said on Saturday it had raised its estimate of those taken from the school to 315 from an earlier estimate of 227, following a “verification exercise”.
POPE MAKES HEARTFELT PLEA FOR RELEASE
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon. I feel great pain, especially for the many young men and women who have been abducted and for their anguished families,” Pope Leo said at the end of a mass in St. Peter’s Square.
“I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their release,” he added.
“Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours and that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.”
Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro; Editing by David Holmes
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had launched the summit calling for countries to agree on a “roadmap” for advancing a COP28 pledge to shift away from fossil fuels
International News via Reuters:
This year’s U.N. climate change summit ended with a tenuous compromise for a deal that skipped over most countries’ key demands but for one: committing wealthy countries to triple their spending to help others adapt to global warming.
Here are some of the takeaways from the COP30 climate summit held in Brazil’s Amazon city of Belem:
HOOKED ON HYDROCARBONS
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had launched the summit calling for countries to agree on a “roadmap” for advancing a COP28 pledge to shift away from fossil fuels.
But it was a road to nowhere at this summit, as oil-rich Arab nations and others dependent on fossil fuels blocked any mention of the issue. Instead, the COP30 presidency created a voluntary plan that countries could sign on to – or not.
The result was similar to Egypt’s COP27 and Azerbaijan’s COP29, where countries agreed to spend more money to address climate dangers while ignoring their primary cause.
Nearly three-fourths of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 2020 have come from coal, oil and gas. Demand for these fuels is likely to rise through 2050, the International Energy Agency said in a report midway through the COP30 summit that reversed expectations of a rapid shift to clean energy.
GLOBAL CLIMATE UNITY ON THE BRINK
The need to show global unity in climate talks was the main thing countries agreed, along with the idea that long-polluting wealthy countries should do most to tackle the problem.
But to get to a final deal, they ditched nearly all ambitions they’d brought – including mandatory tightening targets for reducing climate-warming emissions.
Brazil’s COP30 presidency lamented the United States’ snubbing of the talks. The absence of the world’s biggest economy – and biggest historical polluter – emboldened countries with fossil fuel interests.
Rumbling concerns about a process that allows only a few to effectively veto collective deals grew louder, stoking calls for reform.
After Brazil had promised a ‘COP of Truth’ that would set countries on course for action, the omission of any agreed implementation plans was glaring.
CHINA IN POLE POSITION
China played a leading role at the summit – but from behind the scenes.
President Xi Jinping skipped the talks as he typically does. But his delegation carried a strong message that China was prepared to deliver the clean energy technology the world needs to cut emissions.
Executives from Chinese solar, battery and electric vehicle companies were featured at the country’s exhibit pavilion – one of the first things delegates saw on entering the sprawling venue.
China was not the only fast-developing nation in focus this year. The Indian delegation flexed more muscle in the negotiations, while South Africa rolled out a climate-linked agenda for its own November 22-23 G20 summit.
FRAUGHT FUTURE FOR FORESTS AND INDIGENOUS RIGHTS
Holding the summit in an Amazon forest city, Brazil touted the importance of the world’s remaining canopy for fighting climate change – along with the roughly half-billion Indigenous people seen as stewards of natural lands.
Many who attended from across the Amazon and the world felt frustrated they weren’t being heard. They staged several protests, and even stormed the COP30 compound gates – clashing with security before being pushed back out.
Countries announced about $9.5 billion in forest funding – including almost $7 billion for Brazil’s flagship tropical forest fund and another $2.5 billion for an initiative for Congo.
But the summit ended on a sour note for many, as negotiators dropped efforts for a roadmap to meet the 2030 zero-deforestation pledge and gave no recognition for the protection of their lands.
ATTACKS ON CLIMATE SCIENCE
While Lula and other world leaders had railed against misinformation and denial, COP30 talks didn’t help much in countering this year’s U.S. government assault on climate science.
The summit also chipped away at global consensus around climate science by no longer recognizing the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as the “best available science” to guide policy on climate change and its impacts.
Instead, the final deal notes the importance of IPCC outputs along with “those produced in developing countries and relevant reports from regional groups and institutions.”
And by sidelining fossil fuels and emissions targets, COP30 ignored the alarm bells being rung by scientists.
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is advising the motoring public of a temporary single-lane closure on Trimingham Road, just north of the Trimingham Hill intersection in Paget Parish. This traffic control measure is necessary to facilitate manhole repair works.
The lane closure will take place from Tuesday, 25 November 2025, through Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Working hours are scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Traffic control will be managed by Ministry representatives using signage, barricades, and stop/go boards. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes via Stowe Hill (one-way heading north) and Point Finger Road to avoid delays.
Road users are urged to exercise caution when travelling in the area during the scheduled works. Please refer to the attached original Road Traffic Notice PDF for more details.
A look back at how Bermuda marked Anti-Bullying Week
The Office of Youth Affairs (TOYA) proudly joined more than 50 countries in marking Anti-Bullying Week 2025 from November 10–14, reaffirming their commitment to empowering Bermuda’s children and young people to be kind, brave, and a true “Power for Good”.
Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, stated, “Anti-Bullying Week reminds us that every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. I applaud TOYA and our schools for championing kindness and empowering our children to use their voices as a force for good.”
Held annually during the third week of November, Anti-Bullying Week raises awareness of bullying and promotes effective ways to prevent and address it. The campaign, led globally by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), has reached more than 7.5 million children and young people since 2002. To ensure alignment with international best practices, TOYA’s Youth Engagement Officer completed ABA virtual training ahead of the week’s activities.
Throughout the week, TOYA delivered and promoted a range of initiatives encouraging kindness, inclusion, and respect. TOYA staff led special primary school assemblies featuring an interactive play showing students how to use their voices to stand up to bullying and support their peers.
Middle and high school students participated in the Kindness Tree Challenge, creating displays that highlight acts of kindness and positive affirmations. Designs are showcased on TOYA’s social media platforms @TOYABda, where the community can vote until November 30, with prizes awarded to the winning schools.
Students across the island also took part in Odd Socks Day on Friday, November 10, celebrating individuality and unity by wearing mismatched socks. The week concluded with a Fun Day on the Cabinet Office grounds, where primary students enjoyed activities promoting teamwork, respect, and friendship.
Schools are encouraged to book a special anti-bullying assembly by contacting Tiana Saltus, Youth Engagement Officer at TOYA on 444-1572 or tpsaltus@gov.bm. Community members are also invited to show their support by voting in the Kindness Tree Challenge.
Environmental groups and vendors gather today at the Botanical Gardens to showcase practical sustainability solutions
The Living Green Expo is taking place at the Botanical Gardens today, bringing families, vendors, and environmental advocates together to promote sustainable living.
The event features live entertainment, a kids’ zone, and educational films — along with a Vendor Village showcasing renewable energy, natural health products, and planet-friendly solutions.
Greenrock chairman, Eugene Dean, says the Expo gives people a real-world chance to experience sustainability.
Meanwhile, local groups are using the Expo to connect with the community, including the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.
Among today’s presentations are Youth Climate Summit alumni, who will share their projects, including a climate curriculum they hope to present to the Ministry of Education, along with a wider awareness campaign.
CEO Traci Burgess adds that sustainable habits begin early, and young people are at the heart of that push.
The Living Green Expo will conclude at 6 pm today.
Strides were made to add further professionalism to the command capabilities of Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) soldiers with the recent delivery of courses by British Army educators.
Two versions of the Army Leadership Development Programme were provided – one for 18 junior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and the other for 15 senior NCOs and warrant officers.
The five-day courses ran at Warwick Camp and were each designed to deliver tailored training to help leaders at various levels become more proficient in their roles.
For junior NCOs, the programme aimed to broaden and develop the participants’ knowledge and skills so that they may effectively lead and manage small teams.
It equipped them with additional tools to better absorb information, solve problems and make considered decisions.
The course for senior NCOs and warrant officers was created to develop greater professional competence by building on their knowledge, skills and experience.
It aimed to introduce and develop analytical skills that can be applied in planning as well as in the Regiment’s operational contexts.
Both packages used scenario-based exercises to encourage critical thinking while participants also deepened individual self-awareness through activities that encouraged them to focus on aspects of emotional intelligence.
Major Thomas Wood, the Regiment’s Second-in-Command and Executive Officer, said: “The courses are a significant step in providing professional education to the non-commissioned ranks and represent a commitment by the RBR to professionally prepare all ranks for the challenges of leadership.
“It was the first iteration of these types of courses in Bermuda but due to their overwhelming success, it is hoped that they will become a regular occurrence, providing a pipeline of professional education throughout an individual’s career in the RBR.”
The programmes were delivered by Captain Jack Ren and Captain Eglantine Betts, of the British Army’s Educational and Training Services.
“We have both been very impressed by how much the soldiers have engaged with the courses, especially the junior NCOs,” said Capt Ren.
“They showed both informally and formally in feedback how much they appreciated the content.
“We saw them in the classes constantly raising hands, offering valuable and insightful contributions – these were really to a high standard especially for their rank, it was a level that we would expect of senior NCOs in the UK.”
He added that in the case of the RBR’s senior NCOs and warrant officers, the wealth of experience and range of ranks led to productive discussions in which various perspectives and alternative ideas were presented.
Colour Sergeant Patricia Woolridge, who took part in the course for senior NCOs and warrant officers, said that the facilitators encouraged participants to think at higher operational levels than they may be used to.
“It opens your mind to consider different perspectives around decision making,” she said.
“It helped us understand that there are a lot of things happening that we’re not always aware of but that need to be taken into consideration when priorities are set by those at the top.”
CSgt Woolridge, the RBR Coast Guard Company Quartermaster Sergeant and a Bermuda Monetary Authority systems analyst in civilian life, added: “Overall, the instructors did an amazing job in helping us to realise that our toolboxes are bigger than we think, and giving us different ways to use those tools, as well as how to sharpen them.
“They would ask a question and everybody had the answer, but they helped us to consider how we’re actually applying the skills.”
For information on joining the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm, call 238-1045 or contact the Recruiting Team at rbr.recruiting@gov.bm.
The Ministry of Health honoured 43 participants of the Grow Eat $ave Gardening Programme at a ceremony on 13 November, held at the Devonshire Seventh-day Adventist Church. Now in its ninth year, the programme continues to support Bermuda’s efforts to strengthen food security, improve health outcomes, and promote community resilience.
The Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, Minister of Health, stated, “We are pleased to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduates. Grow Eat $ave empowers our residents to grow their own food, reduce grocery costs, and improve their health; offering a practical and positive solution at a time when many families are navigating the rising cost of food and challenges with accessing affordable, nutritious options.”
Since its launch in 2016, Grow Eat Save, an initiative of the Department of Health’s Nutrition Services, has flourished through strong partnerships with Chaplain Dr Kevin J.T. Santucci, volunteer team leaders, the Bermuda Agriculture Group, the Department of Parks, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The programme continues to align with the Ministry’s vision of “Healthy People in Healthy Communities” by equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to grow fresh produce at home.
Minister Wilson added, “this year’s outcomes reflect meaningful progress, noting that 69% of participants increased their fruit and vegetable intake to five or more servings per day, with a further 25% actively working toward that goal. These results contribute to the Ministry’s ongoing work to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.”
“Beyond supporting healthier lifestyles, Grow Eat Save plays an important role in rebuilding social connections, encouraging environmental sustainability, and strengthening community unity.”
The Minister encouraged graduates to continue sharing their skills, stating that the programme’s ethos: “teach one, reach one,” remains vital to ensuring healthy, local, and affordable food is accessible to all Bermudians.”
For more information about the Grow Eat Save Programme, contact the Department of Health’s Nutrition Services at nutrition@gov.bm.
Football: Mixed fortunes for Bermuda’s international cohort
A dramatic day of football across the UK saw mixed fortunes for Bermuda’s international cohort, highlighted by Nathan Trott’s winning effort and a worrying injury concern for Nahki Wells.
Goalkeeper Nathan Trott’s Cardiff City secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Northampton Town, though Trott conceded a rare goal, preventing him from adding to his impressive clean sheet tally.
However, the afternoon was marred by concern for striker Nahki Wells, whose involvement was cut short by injury as his Luton Town side suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat away to Barnsley.
In non-league action, there was success for Milan Butterfield, who helped his Halesowen Town defeat Stourbridge 3-1. Keziah Martin also enjoyed a tight 2-1 win with Buxton United FC.
The most dramatic moment belonged to Ayleal Dill of Southwell City FC. Trailing 2-0 to Shirebrook, Dill played a crucial role in the second-half comeback, providing a pivotal assist to level the score at 2-2. Though Southwell was denied a late winner due to a disallowed goal, Dill’s skill ensured his team salvaged a point.
Elsewhere, Willie Clemons’ Leiston FC went down 2-1, and Justin Donawa’s Brackley Town suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat. Reggie Lambe and Ajani Burchall were unused substitutes as their teams faced losses and draws, respectively, rounding out a packed day of fixtures.
The annual holiday tradition in Dockyard on November 30th will feature carolling at Dolphin Quest to start the season on a festive note
Full media release from Dolphin Quest Bermuda:
We hope you can join us for this annual holiday tradition and extend your day to enjoy all that Dockyard has to offer – galleries, gift shops, restaurants, cinema, family activities, playgrounds and our National Museum of Bermuda – as well as carolling at Dolphin Quest to start the season on a festive note.
Here is some of the highlights you can look forward to on November 30th for the Annual “Carols with Dolphins” Event:
🎄 3pm “Jingle Jangle” Christmas special matinee at The Media Lounge. Tickets $14 include a small popcorn and drink. Purchase tickets here!
🎄 4pm – 6pm Holiday evening shopping at Dolphin Quest Gift Shop. 10% off storewide (except snacks, beverages and sale items). Gift Cards/Certificates available. Early bird admission 430 – 5pm.
🎄 5pm General Admission – FREE
Reserved seating for Special Needs and children. Feel free to bring a chair.
Playground will be closed.
Hot food and beverages available for purchase from onsite vendors – soup from DuchPops & hot chocolate and hot dogs from Bonefish Restaurant.
🎄 515 – 530pm – Enjoy carolling with Somerset Primary Lower School Choir and Power Girl Trina.
🐬 530 – 6pm – Dolphin Celebration Presentation
Thank you to our key sponsors – The National Museum of Bermuda, Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC) and Great Sound and to our event supporting contributors – The Media Lounge, Duch Pops and Bonefish Restaurant. A special acknowledgment and thank you to the additional entertainers – Somerset Primary School for joining us this year – and a huge thank you to our fabulous emcee – Power Girl Trina – returning for her 3rd year to spark that holiday spirit and kick off this festive event.
The Minister of Education, The Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, attended the official opening of The Creation Station at CedarBridge Academy. Developed through phases of prototyping, design, implementation, and reflection with input from staff, students, and reform partners. The Creation Station is a versatile research, library, and makerspace designed to foster design thinking, innovation, research, and creativity. The space acts as a centre for collaboration and invention, combining technology, inquiry, and practical learning.
CedarBridge Academy Coordinator of Creation Station, Mr. W. McLaren Lowe said, “The inspiration came from a workshop where the message was ‘Teach like a pirate’. Don’t just teach a lesson, create and experience. That and many other experiences have proven that once you capture the attention through meaningful learning experiences, the teaching and learning synergize and becomes dynamic, impactful, and fulfilling, for both the students and teachers.”
Minister Caesar remarked, “The opening reflects the Ministry of Education’s commitment to modernising learning environments and equipping students for a changing world. This milestone is just the beginning; the space will continue to evolve and grow as part of CedarBridge Academy’s broader school transformation journey. It exemplifies the spirit of continuous improvement and innovation in education.”
Also present were Senator Lindsay Simmons-Wilson, Chair of the CedarBridge Academy Board of Governors; Mr. Kenneth Caesar, Principal of CedarBridge Academy; Mrs. Natasha Thomas, Deputy Principal; and CedarBridge Academy Coordinator of Creation Station, Mr. W. McLaren Lowe.
Jack and de Beaniestawk is promising to bring music and laughter to the Earl Cameron Theatre, with fresh faces on and offstage injecting new energy into the long-running Christmas pantomime tradition.
Laura Bardgett, the director of this year’s Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society pantomime, said there has been a concerted effort in recent years to provide opportunities for younger talent and develop the next generation of Bermuda theatre.
“One of the things we found is you can’t put on these productions if you don’t have the right people there,” she said. “We really needed to start bringing in new talent.
“It has been one of my goals this year to bring in new talent, not only to take over future productions, but provide a fresh look and newer ways of doing things.
“We have got some surprises in this show where we are doing things with technology that we have never done before.
“We are trying to raise the bar, and these young folks just loved it. They have amazed me.”
Allie Zuckerman said it was a unique challenge to serve as costume designer for her first pantomime.
“It’s really fun because it is so imaginative and you really want to make the most visual impact,” she said. “You want it to be big and bold and exciting, but also Bermuda has limited resources that you have to contend with.
“It’s fun to learn new things and find out that I am capable of more than I ever thought. You find a lot of people who come out of the woodwork who are able to help with different things.
“I got into sewing because I like costumes, and it has been fun to make things that are different shapes and sized than you usually would. It’s not every day you have to work out how to make a dress that looks like a cupcake.”
Rickai Richardson, who is playing Jack’s brother Simple Simon in the production, said he has been having a blast injecting new life into the classic fairytale.
“I am just so excited to get back on stage. I just finished up with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so I haven’t really stopped. I still have the energy somehow.
“If you have never been to a panto before, this is definitely the right choice for a first time.”
Marc Willmott, who is serving as the head of props for the show for the first time, said he has also enjoyed the challenge of crafting a variety of unusual props for the cast of characters.
“We have been having fun making very random things and trying to figure out how to make the most out of household items,” he said.
“I have been helping with props in past shows, but this is my first time heading up a department.”
Kristen Claude, who is portraying Buttermilk the Cow in the production, said she was excited to see the audience reaction to the show.
“The vibe has been amazing,” she said. “I know that everyone is going to love it when they watch it.
“The panto means that Christmas is coming. You need to come and see it. It’s really funny.”
Milo Roberts, who is assisting backstage in a variety of roles including lighting, said: “I always love to see everything come together. It is going to be absolutely hilarious. I die laughing even in rehearsals.”
Ms Bardgett added: “It’s a show that will entertain everyone. We have slapstick for the kids, we have the adult jokes, the really bad puns, some great songs including modern songs and old time songs. The set is fabulous.
“It’s just good family fun, but it’s not just for families. Anyone between the age of 5 and 95 will enjoy the show.”
Jack and de Beaniestawk opens at City Hall’s Earl Cameron Theatre on December 2 and will continue until December 13.
Minister reflects on town hall meetings and cites a broad desire to tackle the social and cultural ills that underpin gang and gun activity
Ministerial Statement By The Hon. Michael A. Weeks, JP, MP, Minister of National Security Anti-Violence Town Hall Meetings November 21st, 2025
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House on the series of public town hall meetings recently held on gun and gang violence, and to share with this House the voices, concerns, and ideas shared across our island.
The aim of these meetings was clear: to listen directly to people; to understand their lived realities; and to ensure that the National Violence Reduction Strategy (NVRS) remains grounded in the perspectives of the communities it serves.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware that over recent weeks, public forums were held at St. Paul AME Church in Hamilton, Penno’s Wharf in St. George’s, and Dalton E. Tucker Primary School in Southampton. All three were very well attended. People came ready to speak openly, passionately, and out of a shared desire to restore safety, unity, and hope across our island.
What we heard, Mr. Speaker, were honest and forthright opinions. The feedback was constructive, community-minded, and focused on solutions.
Across the three meetings, several consistent themes emerged from the community:
A strong desire for more youth engagement, and for young people to be given a voice in shaping their own future.
The need for culturally grounded programmes to support identity, especially for young Black males, including references to past initiatives such as the Ashay programme.
Calls to strengthen families, rebuild neighbourhood bonds, and restore a sense of community belonging.
Emphasis on life-skills education, mentorship, and vocational pathways, including suggestions such as a trade school at the Casemates Museum, homework support in sports clubs, and a cadet programme for inmates.
Recognition that the root causes of violence include mental health, substance misuse, poverty, cost of living, and weakened family structures.
Requests for stronger collaboration between the Bermuda Police Service and partner agencies, including improved coordination around vehicles and licensing, port security, and the use of technology.
Calls to reinvigorate Bermuda history, diversify school curricula, and support identity-building for young people.
A desire for unity, trust-building, community integration, and national alignment to replace fragmentation.
Mr. Speaker, these suggestions will be considered for inclusion where appropriate, and I must emphasise that many of the ideas raised already appear within the existing National Violence Reduction Strategy.
Concerns about supporting youth, mentorship, and prevention connect directly to actions already underway. The Ministry has invested more than $540,000 in community organisations aligned with the Strategy. We have supported several grants to sports clubs, youth mentorship programmes, tutoring and vocational initiatives, and organisations providing traumainformed care. These are deliberate investments designed to strengthen families, build identity, and create positive pathways for young people.
Mr. Speaker, concerns around policing, safety, and enforcement are also addressed in ongoing work. The Bermuda Police Service is expanding recruitment, enhancing intelligence-led operations, and increasing its use of technology, including body-worn cameras. The BPS continues to improve coordination with partner agencies, strengthen port and border security, and use data more effectively to deploy resources.
Mr. Speaker, the town halls also heard requests for greater transparency and ongoing community involvement. These town hall meetings are part of that commitment. The Ministry of National Security is enhancing public engagement, working closely with the Gang Violence Reduction Team, and continuing to partner with community, faith, educational, and social service organisations.
The call to address root causes, including mental health, poverty, and family instability, aligns with the NVRS focus on early intervention, prevention, and reintegration. These priorities are already active pillars of the Strategy.
Mr. Speaker, the National Violence Reduction Strategy is guided by eight core goals, and what we heard in the town halls aligns closely with each of them.
At its foundation, the Strategy seeks to build strong families and supportive relationships, reflecting calls for family stability, parental accountability, and stronger neighbourhood bonds.
Mr. Speaker, the Strategy aims to strengthen community cohesion and shared responsibility, echoing the desire to reconnect, rebuild trust, and move from fragmentation to unity.
Mr. Speaker, we heard a strong push for more opportunities for young people such as mentorship, sports, trades, vocational programmes, and life-skills training. This aligns with the goal of increasing positive opportunities for youth and adults.
Concerns about reaching children early, addressing mental-health challenges, and intervening before young people enter dangerous environments reinforce the Strategy’s focus on intervening early and effectively with individuals at risk.
Mr. Speaker, public feedback also underscored the need for visible safety measures, strong enforcement, and secure borders. This aligns with the goal to disrupt violence and prevent harm.
The call for structured reintegration, such as including cadet programmes, support for inmates, and opportunities for re-entry, reflects the Strategy’s commitment to support rehabilitation and reintegration.
Mr. Speaker, requests for better coordination, smarter use of technology, and data-driven policing support the Strategy’s aim to use data, evidence, and technology to drive decisions.
Finally, the Strategy’s goal to strengthen leadership, coordination, and accountability across the system matches the community’s plea for unified national action.
The alignment is clear: the public’s feedback reinforces the Strategy, and the Strategy reflects the public’s priorities.
Mr. Speaker, one message rose above all others:
We cannot fix this problem without each other. Government cannot do it alone. The Police cannot do it alone. We also know that no single organisation, school, or family can tackle this in isolation.
Mr. Speaker, preventing violence requires:
mentors, coaches, and role models in every parish,
clubs and community groups opening their doors more widely,
neighbours reconnecting and checking in on one another,
families seeking support when they need it,
employers creating opportunities for young people,
and all of us rejecting division and choosing unity.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to read the National Violence Reduction Strategy online, understand its goals, and find a place where they can contribute. Every hand helps. Every voice matters. Every action counts, because safety is not simply a policy objective. It is a community responsibility. When we work together and for a common goal, we make this island stronger, more peaceful and more harmonious.
Mr. Speaker, I again thank every person who attended the meetings and every person who shared their views. Your insights will inform our work, strengthen our Strategy, and help ensure that our collective approach is grounded in the realities of our communities.
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