An anonymous family of donors is backing a high-profile campaign by Crime Stoppers Bermuda to bring justice to the families of murder victims whose cases remain unsolved.

Throughout this year, the law enforcement charity, whose Bermuda branch is marking 30 years in operation, is offering rewards of up to $50,000 for confidentially shared information resulting in the arrest and charge of a suspect in connection with gun and knife murders on the island.

The donor told The Royal Gazette: “My family and I felt we needed to help effect change to make Bermuda safe for all.

“Silence helps the criminal — so speak up and help solve the violence that is destroying some families and keeping them hostage in their own homes.”

The donor added: “Crime Stoppers Bermuda plays an important role in keeping Bermuda safe and provides an outlet for people to report what they know about crime anonymously, which is very important in these 22 square miles, where everyone knows everyone.”

The rewards mark a significant increase for an organisation that has typically offered a payout of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest, conviction or seizure of a firearm.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said the move sprang from a need to try something different.

“Hopefully the increase in the reward can prick people’s consciences,” Mr Weeks said.

“Just the desire to help, to do our part, to keep our country safe, can help people get up and say that enough is enough.

“At some point, those that know something have to say something. It’s not about if they feel like it or not. We have come to a point where it’s our duty — all of us.”

Crime Stoppers, which does not reveal individual donations, said the reward sum would be reviewed at the end of 2025, pending further donations.

Alex MacDonald, the deputy chairman of the Bermuda programme, said it marked “one of the biggest amounts in relation to rewards Crime Stoppers Bermuda has offered since our inception”.

He added: “It is now felt by the board of directors of Crime Stoppers Bermuda that the current spate of murders requires a more aggressive approach. Now with the support of our donors, and the Ministry of National Security, Crime Stoppers can offer this unprecedented sum.”

Mr MacDonald, who has worked with the group for more than 25 years, said it had taken several weeks to organise its latest campaign — but added that it “always pushed for information” in relation to lethal weapon murders.

“What has been happening in our community over the last few years in relation to loss of life through senseless murders, and the age groups identified in such, has become very concerning to our community.”

The campaign launch comes against a backdrop of significant gun violence this year, with what the group called an “alarming rise in murder cases”: a gun attack in May on the Legends Bar in Somerset that claimed two lives and left two patrons injured, followed by another double shooting murder on Court Street in Hamilton on August 12.

On September 16, 37-year-old Janae Minors was fatally shot in her shop just off Court Street.

Crime Stoppers is highlighting 43 of the island’s unsolved murders as well as six cases that went to court but did not secure a conviction.

Mr Weeks welcomed the partnership and backed its “invaluable work towards keeping Bermuda safe” and bring “culprits to justice”.

He said that in helping to offer up to $50,000 for information, “we are demonstrating a firm commitment to this cause”.

Mr Weeks added: “I encourage all Bermudians to assist Crime Stoppers by using its resources to anonymously and safely provide information that leads to offenders being brought before the courts.

“By doing so, we can all enjoy a higher level of safety in our community.”

The organisation’s website, where the community can safely and anonymously supply information, shows more than 4,000 tips received in a history that has yielded 333 arrests.

Crime Stoppers also offers anonymity through its 800-8477 hotline, which empowers the community to fight against crime without revealing a name — and can be used by anyone who fears appearing in court or speaking to authorities after witnessing a crime.

The organisation reminded the public that “remaining silent when you witness or have knowledge of a crime allows those who committed it to walk free”.

It acknowledged that some people might be afraid to make a report — but underscored its non-negotiable commitment to preserving anonymity.

Crime Stoppers is issuing a poster of unsolved murder cases in a bid to “obtain justice for those lost to lethal weapon offences”.

The group added that it would continue working with the Bermuda Police Service to ensure that any case not featured at present would get “appropriate attention in future media posters”.

The appeal for the public’s help emphasised that “remaining silent when you have information about a murder undermines the pursuit of justice, encourages the criminal and fosters fear within the community”.