Governor: island must confront scourge of violence
Residents cannot grow “numb” to the unacceptable gun violence threatening the community, the Governor said.
In a statement condemning a double murder on Court Street this week, Andrew Murdoch said: “I was struck by the brazen, callous and calculated nature of the attack in the heart of our capital.”
Nakai Robinson, 18, and Natrae Eversley, 23, fell victim to gunmen near the junction of Court Street and Dundonald Street at about 4.40pm on Tuesday.
A third man, aged 24, who also sustained gunshot wounds, was treated in hospital.
Mr Murdoch said Government House was working with the Government and the Bermuda Police Service to bring those behind the “horrific crime” to justice.
The Governor added that he had visited Court Street in the aftermath to meet police officers on the ground.
He said: “All those officers acted with complete professionalism in difficult circumstances, and I thank them, as well as the other first responders, for their actions.”
Mr Murdoch said the community was fortunate more people were not injured or killed, given the location and manner of the attack.
He said: “Such attacks in public are inevitably indiscriminate, and I strongly reject the view, held by some, that they only impact certain parts of the community.
“Gun violence, and those bent on using it, affects us all. It disturbs the peace of the whole island, the spirit of those that live here and community cohesion.”
Mr Murdoch insisted that the number of people who felt “empowered” to take up firearms remained small.
However, he added: “The ripples that this minority of individuals creates on the lived experiences of many Bermudians is significant.”
The Governor said he had spoken with David Burt, the Premier, with the two agreeing to convene a Governor’s Council meeting on gun violence.
Mr Murdoch said it was an occasion for Government House, the Government of Bermuda, Police Commissioner Darrin Simons and the broader community to consider what had led to the shooting and what could be done to “individually and collectively to stop the cycle of gun crime”.
He added: “We are meeting regularly and those discussions are not about continuing business as usual.
“They are about challenging ourselves to identify what further measures can be taken to break the cycle of violence.”
Mr Murdoch said the 2024 National Violence Reduction Strategy was aimed at the island’s serious violence, and offered a road map for change.
While some measures would require time, he said short-term measures could be explored and actioned.
Digitally altered versions of images released by police of suspects in the gun murder of two men on Court Street this week pose “serious risks” to the investigation, the public has been warned.
A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said this afternoon that artificial intelligence appeared to have been used on the pictures taken from CCTV footage of the suspects in the murders of Natrae Eversley and Nakai Robinson, and the attempted murder of a third man.
The images were released for the public to assist officers in identification.
However, the spokesman said: “We are aware that AI-altered versions of these images are now being circulated online, including by well-meaning individuals connected to one of the victims.
“While we understand and empathise with the grief, pain and urgent desire for justice felt by the family and friends of the victims, we must stress that AI-generated imagery is not a true or accurate representation of the suspects, their clothing or the motorcycle used in the commission of this crime.”
He warned that it could lead to innocent people getting wrongly identified and targeted, and that “false or misleading” images could misdirect the investigation and hinder the gathering of credible information.
The BPS spokesman added that inaccurate depictions could engender “unnecessary fear or suspicion within the community”, and called on the public to share only the official images and information provided by police.
“These materials are released following careful consideration and are intended to ensure accuracy while protecting the integrity of the investigation,” he said.
He thanked the community for its support and said police appreciated “the deep emotions surrounding this tragedy”.
The spokesman said: “The BPS remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice and will continue to provide timely, factual updates.”
A police spokesman said that since the release of images of the gunmen to the public this week, people have provided information to aid investigators.
He said: “We are grateful for this assistance. We urge the public to continue to work with us by sharing any information they may have in relation to this matter, no matter how insignificant they might think it to be.”
Anyone who may have relevant information has been advised to contact Acting Detective Chief Inspector Kenten Trott on 717-2345 or at kenten.trott@bps.bm.
The community can use the main police number, 295-0011, or the police community reporting portal.
Members of the public can also avail of a familiar officer or use the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
Meanwhile, Raleigh International Bermuda encouraged young people, parents and guardians to connect with agencies ready to “listen, guide and walk alongside them”.
The youth charity said: “Families, schools, faith groups, youth organisations and neighbours all play a vital role in showing young people they are valued, heard and supported.
“Every act of care can create lasting impact in a young person’s life, helping them to reach their full potential.
“These losses leave lasting pain, and we hold all who are grieving in our hearts. We stand with those working for a Bermuda free of violence, where young people can thrive.”
The charity said violence and gang influence were deeply rooted challenges shaping how generations of young people grow, think and navigate their futures.
Raleigh said violence and its influence reached far beyond those directly affected.
It added: “It touches classrooms, neighbourhoods and the very fabric of our island.
“As a community, we must create consistent support systems that address the whole person — mind, body and spirit — so youth can see possibilities beyond fear and harm. Adolescence is one of life’s most impressionable stages.”
The charity said that in the absence of encouragement and healthy outlets, youth were prone to disconnection and hopelessness, and could seek belonging in groups that engage in antisocial behaviour.
The charity highlighted its commitment to being part of a network of support, with programmes helping youth to build resilience, self-worth and life skills through mentorship, personal development and experiential learning.
Raleigh can be reached at info@raleigh.bm or by calling 333-5678.
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