Report soon on Bermuda-US mission on stopping gang violence

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Bermuda authorities have completed a mission investigating American methods cracking down on gang violence.

Government, police and prison services teamed up with the United States Consul to examine models such as the Crown Heights Save Our Streets programme, and Ceasefire initiatives in Boston and Chicago.

Community Development Minister Michael Weeks told a press conference this afternoon a report will be released in the coming weeks saying how the most appropriate ideas can be implemented in Bermuda.

Prisons Commissioner Eddie Lamb stressed the best results seem to come from combining the efforts of all authorities and groups in the community.

Lt Col Lamb suggested research on where the Island’s guns come from would be a major help stopping them being trafficked into Bermuda.

And he said the Chicago Ceasefire programme appears more appropriate than the Boston one which the Opposition has long promoting as a potential solution to Bermuda’s spiralling gang violence. He described the Boston Operation Ceasefire as too strict.

Lt Col Lamb told the media: “It takes innovative and traditional approaches that looks at what we have and targeted community mobilisation to keep Bermuda moving forward effectively in addressing the problem.

“Entering into a partnership which combines the efforts of the Government’s and the community’s existing services and programmes, along with the private sector and faith-based involvement, working together will promote a transparent collaboration that attempts to offer more positive options for Bermuda’s youth in the fight to proactively reduce the rise of youth and gun violence.

“Community engagement that influences behaviour provides rehabilitation and transformational services at all levels from schools to prison.”

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