A highly visible police presence to deter criminal activity and antisocial behaviour will be in place over the Cup Match holiday, residents were advised today.

Members of the public were urged to be safe and respectful as events unfold.

Richard Scott, the president of Somerset Cricket Club, called on the community to recognise and honour the meaning of Cup Match — emancipation.

He said: “We’ve been freed from slavery since 1834 and let’s really commemorate the work of our forefathers, come to Cup Match and have a great time.”

Mr Scott added: “Whether you are going to be at the beach, at a room relaxing and certainly if you are going to grace us with your presence at Wellington Oval, come with a joyful heart so that we could all enjoy this holiday.

“Let’s really make the Bermuda Police Service’s and the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s job easy this holiday.”

Chief Inspector Dorian Astwood said a “proportionate policing approach” would be applied to all major events throughout the long weekend.

The Annual Classic will start at 10am on Thursday at St George’s Cricket Club.

Security will be maintained by a private security group with assistance from police and the RBR.

Mr Astwood said that the heightened police presence, aided by the regiment, would start tomorrow at the Tarrus Riley concert at the National Sports Centre in Devonshire.

He added that police would also conduct roadside sobriety checks in several parishes.

CCTV cameras will be in operation at the cricket club and around the island, marking the first Cup Match holiday monitored with the help of a full CCTV network.

Police will also be deployed to Horseshoe Bay to manage large crowds on Thursday and usher beachgoers away when the beach closes at 8pm.

Mr Astwood noted: “This event traditionally draws a significant number of attendees and the public remains a top priority.”

He said police and the RBR would be on high-visibility patrols on foot and in vehicles, and would help with traffic flow and the enforcement of liquor licence regulations.

Mr Astwood added that police, with the assistance of the RBR Coastguard, would monitor the waters and boaters around the island.

He reminded mariners to make sure their vessels were properly registered and that valid decals were clearly displayed on the starboard side.

Vessels must also have safety equipment completely stocked, be properly fuelled and include a proper float plan.

Mr Astwood said: “Our message is simple — enjoy the holiday responsibly. We all have a role to play in making Bermuda safer.

“So, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, I extend my best wishes to the entire community for a safe, peaceful and joyful Cup Match weekend.”

Mishael Paynter, the president of St George’s Cricket Club, said that weapons such as bladed articles were strictly prohibited.

He asked that attendees behave in a respectful manner and move in an orderly fashion.

Mr Paynter advised match attendees to wear a hat, bring water and monitor the amount of alcohol they consume.

He said the gates to the club would close at 9.30pm.