‘The AU-CARICOM Summit was a reminder that the violence of slavery and the exploitation of colonialism is proof of resilience’

Statement by Senator Lindsay Simmons, Junior Minister of Home Affairs:

Earlier this month, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, represented Bermuda at the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As her Junior Minister, I have reflected on what her participation means for Bermuda and why the theme of connectivity must guide how we approach both our history and our future.

The Summit was convened by the African Union Commission and brought together leaders from across Africa and the Caribbean, alongside the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of Angola, who chairs the African Union.

Yet what made this meeting so significant, was not simply the presence of world leaders, but the added symbolism of Africans and Caribbeans aligned on a common objective. As descendants of the same story it was an impactful message as they stood together in Ethiopia.

The AU-CARICOM Summit was a reminder that the violence of slavery and the exploitation of colonialism is proof of resilience. The Summit affirmed that we are not divided people but rather united people across oceans and across centuries.

Bermuda’s participation in the Summit advanced three core priorities that guide this Government’s work:

Unity: Strengthening our ties with CARICOM and Africa ensures that Bermuda is part of a global family rather than isolated on the margins.

Equity: Placing issues of justice and fairness at the centre of dialogue allows us to address the affordability challenges faced by workers, families, and seniors.

Opportunity: Building bridges with diaspora communities opens pathways for trade, investment, and collaboration that can directly benefit Bermudians.

This government is moving beyond the abstract but rather using opportunities like this summit as a tool for lowering the cost of living, for building resilience into our supply chains, and for ensuring that Bermudians have access to opportunity in a rapidly changing world.

As Junior Minister, I am proud to support the leadership of the Minister of Home Affairs and the Government in ensuring Bermuda is represented on the world stage. The voices Minister Lightbourne carried were the voices of Bermudians workers facing high prices, families striving for stability, and seniors seeking dignity.

This truth we know, that Bermuda’s greatest strength lies in connection: connection with the Caribbean, connection with Africa, and connection with our diaspora communities wherever they may be.

This recent summit engagement is evidence of the thoughtful work of this government on behalf of every Bermudian. Bermudians should see ourselves as part of this global family and embrace the undeniable shared history that unites us, and support the strengthening of ties with CARICOM and Africa. When we do so, we open doors for trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange that has the rich potential to transform lives on our island.

We are not limited by our size or isolation on the map, we must remember that we are part of a powerful, enduring diaspora with the capacity to shape our destiny. As we embrace international business, we must also embrace the business of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean and in Africa. If we choose connection, Bermuda can truly build a fairer, more affordable, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Because in the end, our future depends on the connections we choose to honour today.

‘The PLP’s efforts to contain and reverse this tide of violence and death has proved unsuccessful’

Statement by Robert King, Opposition Leader and Shadow National Security Minister:

In the last month alone, Bermuda has seen three shootings in broad daylight. Five people were shot, three of them murdered, all within sight of the Hamilton Police Station. Our island is no longer the safest place on earth. We have one of the highest murder rates in the world. Bermudians are living in fear and that is unacceptable.

We cannot stand by any longer and fail to act. Enough is enough.

The PLP’s efforts to contain and reverse this tide of violence and death has proved unsuccessful.

… Despite the PLP’s exercises in PR, the murders continue, with the perpetrators getting younger and younger. The cycle of violence has only gotten worse. The Police now identify 11 different gangs on the island.  

How can the government speak of revitalising North Hamilton and the City while failing to ensure basic safety on our streets? How does this government’s approach to vagrants who openly break the law on Front Street demonstrate a commitment to reducing crime and safeguarding our community. What message does it send to residents, businesses, and visitors? How does this weak approach to maintaining law and order encourage investment in the city?

This is not about blame. It is about reality. The PLP strategies have not been working to date.

Bermuda needs new ideas and courageous action. Urgently.

We need a different approach that involves increased police presence, enforcing loitering laws, additional stop and searches, more robust traffic policing, parish constables and restricted bail conditions for offences of murder, intimate partner violence, gang crimes and sexual offences.

We must ensure stricter enforcement of borders and fixing the HM Customs and Immigration Dock in St George’s to stop illegal weapons being imported. We must tighten search procedures at the ports and airports and increase surveillance. We must hire more police officers for a dedicated cycle and traffic division.  And we should ensure that the CCTV cameras in the areas where crimes have been committed are operational.

These are not abstract policies. They are concrete steps that will save lives and restore safety to our streets.

We must also look to other jurisdictions that have had similar problems and learn from them, discover what was successful, and adapt and implement similar strategies and actions in Bermuda. Because it is too urgent not to.  

We cannot allow violence and disorder to become the new normal in Bermuda.

I call on government leaders to rise above politics and show true leadership – visibility, responsiveness and accountability.

Policing alone is not the answer. True safety comes from unity: government, opposition, police, churches and the community working together. This violence is not inevitable. We can change this trajectory if we have the courage to act now.

This tragedy must galvanize not just sadness, but determination.

Bermuda deserves to be safe again. Our people deserve peace. And together, we can make that a reality.