Ministers call for safe and happy Bermuda Day weekend
Revellers over the Bermuda Day weekend have been asked to be safe and responsible during festivities.
Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, encouraged the public to “pack a picnic, wave your flags and enjoy the holiday responsibly”.
He added: “We are asking everyone to work with us to help make the day safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
This year’s theme, “For the Culture”, highlights the public’s energy, creativity and community spirit.
Mr Darrell urged spectators to stay off the parade route “unless crossing safely when directed”.
He asked them to avoid blocking intersections and to not step in front of the parade or Gombey troupes.
Mr Darrell said: “We know the content is important, but we promise the parade will still look good from the side of the road.”
He encouraged parents to keep close eyes on their children around moving vehicles and parade routes and asked the public to “pack a little patience along with your picnic baskets”.
Mr Darrell said: “Bermuda Day is a long route. It’s a long day and a moving event with hundreds of participants.
“There may be pauses from time to time but participants are being actively worked with in advance around spacing and parade flow to help minimise unnecessary delays and keep things moving as smoothly as possible.”
He said there would be a 30-minute break between the Gombey procession and the after-party soca truck.
Acting Superintendent Alex Rollin confirmed that officers were working with organisers of the Half Marathon Derby, Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race and Bermuda Heritage Day Parade.
He said race routes along the roads would close to traffic at 7.30am on Friday.
He noted that runners and cyclists would start from Somerset and head towards the City of Hamilton.
Mr Rollin said spaces where vehicles could not park would be clearly marked and urged motorists to plan ahead.
He added that police presence would be heightened on Friday and Saturday.
Mr Rollin said police would not hold roadside sobriety checks over the weekend — but emphasised the importance of driving responsibly.
Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, urged the community to celebrate the holiday safely, saying: “I would expect everyone to enjoy the festivities of the day and the entire weekend, but do so with the utmost care, respect and good judgement.”
Mr Weeks asked motorists to drive responsibly and, above all else, not to drink and drive.
He said: “A few careless slackers on the road can change a family’s life for ever.
“None of us wants to see a holiday weekend remembered for a serious collision or a phone call with bad news.”
Mr Weeks also encouraged boaters to look out for swimmers, weather changes and other vessels.
He urged them to make sure safety equipment was up to standard and to “make sensible decisions” before operating a boat.
The Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard will be on patrol during the festivities, he said.
Mr Weeks also urged anyone looking to cause trouble or act violently to “stop and think”.
He said: “Think about the families who would be left to carry the pain. Think about the young people who are watching. Think about what Bermuda Day is meant to represent.
“Think about how your future and that of your entire family will be for ever changed for the worse.
“This holiday should leave us with good memories, not grief.
“It should bring people together, not tear families apart.”
Mr Weeks called on the public to play their part and alert police to any suspicious activity.
He added: “Let us make this Bermuda Day one that reflects the best of us.
“Let us celebrate our culture, people and island in a way that is safe, respectful and peaceful.”
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