Residents have been urged to exercise safety over the Cup Match holiday as the Bermuda Police Service says there were will be increased police visibility across the island.

Acting Chief Inspector Shakisha Minors said residents will witness “strong and reassuring police presence” across the Somerset Cricket Club grounds, nearby communities and other key locations.

Ms Minors spoke at a press conference at the SCC today where officials highlighted the importance of safety as well as the event’s significance in the island’s calendar.

She said: “Our officers will be on foot, conducting mobile patrols and engaging members of the public.

“We want people to feel comfortable approaching us, whether it is to ask for assistance, to have a conversation or to report a concern or crime.

“Our officers are there to provide reassurance, support and, where necessary, respond quickly and professionally to incidents.”

She said officers will conduct mobile patrols, roadside sobriety checks and will give residence confidence to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Ms Minors said: “Our role is simple — to help create the conditions that allow everyone to enjoy this special occasion safely, confidently and responsibly.

“Everything we do over the next three days will be guided by three principles: visibility, partnership and preparedness, because our goal is not simply to police Cup Match but to help everyone enjoy it safely.”

Ms Minors emphasised the importance of the community’s involvement in ensuring safety, and said the BPS had worked closely with multiple agencies in the lead-up to the event.

They include the SCC, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Department of Health, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and private security firms.

Ms Minors said: “Just as importantly, we rely on the support and co-operation of our community.

“The overwhelming majority of people who attend Cup Match come to enjoy themselves, support their teams and celebrate responsibly.

“By looking out for one another, respecting those around us and working together, we can all play a part in ensuring that Cup Match remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

A cheque of $70,000 was handed over by the Government to the club.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said it would help cover essential preparations for the hosting of Cup Match, including scaffolding at the grounds.

Mr Darrell called the Classic “one of the defining experiences of Bermuda”.

He explained: “It brings together a world-class sport, vibrant cultural traditions and the unmistakable Bermudian spirit that residents cherish and visitors travel here to experience.

“Events like this do more than just entertain. They strengthen our tourism product, they support local businesses and they showcase Bermuda as a destination where our culture is authentic, our traditions are alive and our community comes together in celebration.”

David Burt, the Premier, called on residents to celebrate safely, while representatives of sponsors HSBC Bermuda and the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club spoke of their backing for the event.

Richard Scott, the president of SCC, thanked the Government for its support, noting the mammoth effort behind preparations “to ensure everyone is safe”.

Mr Scott urged residents to never ever lose sight of the reasons behind the annual event.

He said: “We are here because of a match that came out of the celebration of Emancipation.”

Mr Scott also noted the significance of day two — Mary Prince Day.

“Sometimes we lose the essence of a holiday because we get caught up in the fun, the partying and ultimately the match,” he added, urging the community to “get more familiar” with its history.