This is not a game, and to suggest that this is a political football is abhorrent. Far too many people’s sons and daughters have lost their lives to gun violence. The Government has a responsibility to shape policy and ensure that the law operates to safeguard the community. We must provide those incarcerated and in the community with real opportunities for rehabilitation and permanent reintegration into the community.

Restorative justice was supposed to be resourced and implemented under the Alternative to Incarceration legislation that was enacted in 2001. However, this key component was never implemented and resourced.

Michael Weeks’s sentiments cannot and should not overshadow the actual pain and suffering of the victims who are retraumatised every time another shooting is reported. The Government, as the steward of this community, must do all that is necessary to reduce serious crime in our community. It must do the right things that work to reduce violence and death on our 21-square-mile island.

If the Minister of National Security is serious about protecting our shores and the community, he will inform the public why the HM Customs and Immigration Dock on Ordnance island is still inoperable.

This dock facility plays a critical role in protecting the island. It is the point of entry for vessels arriving in Bermuda, and customs officers must have the facilities to prevent dangerous weapons, drugs, substances, people and other prohibited articles from entering our community.

Why was the dock not made a priority for repair in October 2024 when, as confirmed by his answer to a parliamentary question in the House of Assembly, he was informed by his permanent secretary about the unsafe dock? I understand that the dock has not been fit for use since April of that year.

Mr Weeks says that he is serious about protecting this community, yet money was allocated to fix Sandy’s Dock and another at Mangrove Bay, but not the HM Customs and Immigration Dock facility in St George’s.

I am angered by the hubris of Mr Weeks, who suggests the Government is doing all it can to prevent violence and death, when the truth is the words don’t match the actions.

When will the HM Customs and Immigration Dock be repaired, minister?

• Robert King is the Shadow Minister of National Security and the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, and the MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10)