Area MP in call for action by community
By Elizabeth Roberts
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Photo By Akil Simmons
Michael Anthony Weeks
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The MP for the area where Saturday's shooting took place has called on the community to "stop the cowardly attitude of don't ask, don't tell".
The call for action from Michael Weeks of the PLP was echoed by Governor Sir Richard Gozney and shadow public safety minister Michael Dunkley.
In a statement directly addressing those living in his troubled Pembroke East Central constituency, Mr. Weeks said: "The shooting on The Glebe Road is another example of the escalating violence that is perpetrated in our neighbourhoods, and tearing at the social fibres of our communities.
"It is time that we as a community begin to stand up to the injustices that plague our streets.
"I want to encourage our families, who know that their family members are involved in these serious crimes to stop covering for them, and do what is in the best interest of all concerned. Parents have got to stop protecting their sons, when they know that they are guilty of these heinous behaviours.
"Girlfriends have got to tell their boyfriends that enough is enough. And the 'ace boys' need to tell their peers that this rivalry and mayhem must end now. Otherwise no one is going to be safe in our Island home."
The weekend incident was at least the third outbreak of gun violence in recent months in the area, which is plagued by street gangs. Kenwandee Robinson, aged 27, was killed in a drive-by shooting in St. Monica's Road on the afternoon of May 22, and 24-year-old Michael Adams was badly injured. That shooting also occurred in the afternoon and was followed by more gunfire minutes later in Rambling Lane and Curving Avenue and another shooting the next morning on Court Street, which left three injured.
Gunshots also rang out on St. Monica's Road in an early-hours incident in February.
Mr. Weeks said: "Why do we continue to point our proverbial fingers at the Government and the Police service for what we think they are not doing, when we, in the community know who is committing these offences, but we remain quiet? That, my friend, is a crime within itself. For too long now, we have been sitting by and watching these incidents occur. Silence has been the name of the game. This cowardly attitude of 'don't ask, don't tell'. This juvenile attitude of 'snitching isn't cool'. There are only a few making life difficult for the many. Yes, crime is an Island wide problem, but the problem is not bigger than us, and we must report it."
And issuing a direct call to those living in the affected areas, he continued: "Friends, the responsibility is not limited to the few, it is a responsibility of all. Whether the Government, the Police service, or the man or woman, who works in the general store. We all have a direct responsibility for ensuring that our community becomes safe again."
Governor Sir Richard Gozney also issued a statement saying: "I am dismayed that there's been a further shooting in Pembroke. My thoughts are with the victim and I hope that he recovers. The Bermuda Police Service began a full investigation immediately, briefing me and the Bermuda Government soon after the shooting. They were back in touch with me just before midnight, working actively to follow up leads.
"It is vital that the Police have willing cooperation from the communities affected. I hope that members of those communities will overcome any hesitations and fears hesitations and fears which may be natural. However effective the work of the Police it is rare that they can put together enough convincing evidence without some help from witnesses in the community. "
Sir Richard continued: "We saw in several murder trials early this year that when people are brave enough to give evidence, convictions and long jail sentences for shooting and murder, even gang related shooting and murder, are secured. I think that we all applauded those witnesses. On the other hand immediately after the double shootings on St Monica's Road and Court Street in May the Police investigation produced results but witnesses were said to be holding back. I understand that as a result no one has yet been charged. So those with access to guns are encouraged to believe that they can act with impunity."
He concluded his remarks by urging: "Only when everyone works together will the shootings stop."
Shadow Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley also added his voice to the calls, saying: "These incidents are all too frequent and to date we have seen an apparent lack of results in coming to grips with what has taken place and the desperately needed meaningful results for the community. This latest incident has returned to a familiar community Glebe Road with the impact again affecting families throughout Bermuda. Our concern lies with finding solution to the increase in violent crimes, where its impact is rapidly deteriorating our quality of life and putting our small island under an unfavourable microscope from the outside world."
He called for more effective work between Government and the Police and the idea of a gun amnesty to be considered.
