The safety and security of our people is not an issue to be used as a political football. Every act of violence, every life lost is a tragedy that affects us all. My role as minister is not to go back and forth with anyone seeking to exploit this issue, but to remain focused on continually improving the security and safety of our community.

Those of us who are serious about improving Bermuda know that this is not a political issue. It is a social issue that requires collaborative action. Action we are taking.

Under the National Violence Reduction Strategy, we have invested more than half a million dollars in community organisations whose work directly addresses the root causes of violence.

This includes:

• Sports clubs that offer young people healthy alternatives and mentorship

• Community support programmes building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods

• Educational initiatives giving our young people tools for success

• Youth mentorship to guide at-risk individuals towards positive life choices

These investments are aligned with the strategy’s five pillars: prevention, early intervention, mental health support, community resilience and evidence-based enforcement.

The ministry continues to work in close co-ordination with the Bermuda Police Service, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Department of Corrections, Department of Customs and the Gang Violence Reduction Team. In fact, with the encouragement of the ministry, the BPS will be increasing the use of bodycams and have received 200 new bodycams. We believe that the bodycams provide a greater level of security to members of the public and to our officers.

We are also enhancing our use of data to identify trends, deploy resources where they are most needed, and evaluate the impact of our initiatives. Some push for more police on the streets as the only solution, and while we are hiring more officers, we do not believe that is the only solution. Alongside enforcement, we are committed to tackling the social and economic drivers of crime. This means expanding early-intervention programmes, supporting at-risk youth and working closely with community leaders, schools and families to prevent crime before it occurs.

We are also reviewing border security measures to ensure our agencies have the tools and intelligence they need to prevent illegal weapons and drugs from entering Bermuda.

Again, the responsibility for safer communities does not rest with the Government alone. It requires the active partnership of residents, community organisations, faith groups, businesses and every elected representative, regardless of political affiliation. It also requires caring enough about this issue and having the maturity to not exploit the challenges facing our community for political expediency.

I stand ready to work with all who genuinely share the goal of a safer Bermuda, and I welcome constructive dialogue in and out of Parliament. Together, we can reduce violence, build trust and create a society where every person feels secure.

• Michael Weeks is the Minister of National Security and the MP for Pembroke East Central (Constituency 16)