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Police on Cup Match: ‘Have fun but have fun in a safe manner’

St George's Cricket Club and the Bermuda Police Service hosted a press conference on Cup Match safety and preparations. From left are Aiden Stones, acting building control officer for the Department of Planning, Armell Thomas, acting chief environment and health officer for the Ministry of Health, Neil Paynter, president of St George’s Cricket Club, Richard Scott, president of Somerset Cricket Club, and Acting Detective Super Intendant Sherwin Joseph (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

There will be a strong police presence at venues and on the roads throughout the island this Cup Match.

Safety personnel advised the community of health and safety plans being put in place ahead of the Annual Classic taking place at St George’s Cricket Club on August 3 and 4.

Acting Detective Superintendant Sherwin Joseph said the Bermuda Police Service, working in partnership with the Bermuda Reserve Police, the Royal Bermuda Regiment and St John Ambulance, would maintain a strong presence at the venue.

He said: “To ensure that the environment is safe for everyone, the Joint Agency Command Centre, as in previous years, will be prepared to respond to any calls of service that are proportionate and appropriate.

“Similarly, in particular on Thursday, the BPS, working in partnership with the parks department and other relevant stakeholders, will maintain a robust presence at Horseshoe Bay Beach. We also intend to use a drone to monitor and direct police response to calls of service.

“In keeping with our roads policing strategy to reduce road collisions on our roads, the BPS, supported by reserve officers, will conduct high-visibility patrols island-wide and will also man a number of road sobriety checkpoints.

“The BPS, with our reserve officers, will work alongside our partners at RBR Coastguard to ensure that a strong and visible presence is evident on our waters.

“Our advice to you is to have fun but have fun in a safe manner. Be responsible and considerate to others.“

Armell Thomas, acting chief environment and health officer for the Ministry of Health, warned that the weather was going to be hot.

“It is now 88F, which can be 110F with humidity,” he said.

“I encourage all the stall owners to ensure they have sufficient people so persons can take breaks, make sure they have enough water and nourishment. Dress appropriately.

“We will be checking that the club has sufficient restrooms and that the water is potable — we have already taken samples and we are waiting for the big day.”

Aiden Stones, acting building control officer for the Department of Planning, added: “Don’t make any modifications to the scaffolding. The cross members might obstruct your view but they are there for your safety.”

Neil Paynter, president of St George’s Cricket Club, was joined by Richard Scott, president of Somerset Cricket Club.

Mr Scott said: “We are looking forward to a wonderful match next week, the grounds are looking immaculate.

“One of the things we are looking forward to is a safe and happy Cup Match. We look forward to defending our trophy and coming down to Wellington Oval not only to defend it but take that trophy back home with a victory.”

Mr Paynter added: “We want everyone to come to Wellington Oval and have a great time and that’s what Cup Match is really about — it is about us coming together. May the St George’s team win.”

Mr Paynter said the club would not be selling alcohol this year and to date there were no plans for the event to be televised.

He made clear that the cricket club was not in the business of streaming or television and that any entity interested in doing so would be responsible for getting sponsorship. He said CCTV cameras were being installed.

Mr Paynter encouraged revellers to purchase tickets on GPass ahead of time and to turn up early.

He hopes to see about 10,000 people at the venue over the two days.

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Published July 26, 2023 at 7:57 am (Updated July 26, 2023 at 7:57 am)

Police on Cup Match: ‘Have fun but have fun in a safe manner’

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