A boost in the Ministry of National Security’s budget will see police numbers bolstered and the anti-gang programme Operation Ceasefire implemented, Michael Dunkley told the House of Assembly.

The Premier outlined spending within the ministry for the 2017-18 fiscal year that paves the way for a $100,000 grant to the Junior Leaders’ programme as well as new vehicles for the Bermuda Fire Service.

Walter Roban, the Shadow Minister for National Security, welcomed the increased funding to the Junior Leaders’ programme describing it as “wonderful”.

But Mr Roban raised concerns that there had been a reduction in drug intelligence expenditure for 2017-18 and urged the Government to look at ways of modernising the Post Office.

“We need to push the Post Office to become a modern entity, there has been no revitalisation,” he said.

“I am making a plea to support the Post Office, modernise it, do not dilute it. It is a great institution to Bermuda.”

In response to Mr Roban’s question about drug intelligence funding in the police, Mr Dunkley pointed out that this year’s budget expenditure was a $350,000 increase on two years ago.

The Premier said he took Mr Roban’s comments on the Post Office on board. He added: “There are no plans to close any more sub-post offices.”

Earlier in the debate, Mr Dunkley revealed that the ministry’s budget had been increased 15 per cent for 2017-18 to start up the anti-gang programme Operation Ceasefire.

He also outlined plans to hire an additional 30 police officers including 15 local recruits and 15 firearms officers from overseas.

The Department of Customs will receive a $119,000 boost to provide for uncertainty in oil prices, as well as increased energy use from the Hamilton X-ray machine.