The unseen:

On September 20, 2023, Bermuda experienced a serious cyber attack. In a modern society, cybersecurity is not a technical issue tucked away in an IT department — it is a core component of national security. Government systems were compromised and personal data belonging to Bermudians was exposed.

Yet today — two and a half years later — questions remain unanswered by the Government.

At a time when fraud and cyber-enabled scams are increasing, particularly targeting seniors and vulnerable members of our community, the Government’s silence raises a serious question: is there a connection between the 2023 breach and the rise in fraudulent activity?

We do not know.

This sends a clear message — that cybersecurity, and by extension national security, is not being treated as a priority by the PLP Government.

There has been no full public report, no clear explanation of what went wrong or what has been done to prevent it happening again. That’s not just a communication issue — it’s a question of accountability.

But the failure does not stop in cyberspace.

Bermuda’s critical infrastructure is more fragile than we would like to believe — both digital and physical, both visible and unseen. And in different ways, both leave us exposed.

The seen:

Since April 2024, the HM Customs and Immigration Yacht Reporting Dock at Ordnance Island has been inoperable. This facility is not optional infrastructure — it is a frontline defence in protecting Bermuda’s borders from illegal drugs and firearms — both of which are driving the violence we continue to see in our community.

And yet, nearly two years later, the dock remains out of service.

As a result it is understood from a reliable source that less than ten per cent of vessels are searched. Let that sink in.

This is a glaring hole in our border security. We are effectively operating with an open door at our maritime border — an open invitation to those who would traffic in drugs, guns and the destruction of our community.

Customs officers, who are committed to protecting this country, are being forced to carry out their duties under unacceptable conditions. Without a functioning dock, they must rely on borrowed vessels from other departments or the availability of the Bermuda Regiment to conduct inspections.

This is not a national security strategy or system. It’s improvisation. It is the equivalent of asking police officers to patrol without vehicles and expecting them to borrow bicycles when they need to respond to serious crime.

The pattern of failure:

The consequences of inaction are not theoretical.

They are measured in lives lost to violence.

In communities destabilised by drugs.

In seniors targeted and defrauded.

In the erosion of public confidence in the institutions meant to protect us.

National security is a core responsibility demanding urgency, co-ordination, resources, and competence. Right now, that standard is not being met.

We’ve heard references to planning approvals to fix the HM Customs dock, timelines, and costs. But during the recent Budget Debate, it became shockingly clear that there is no clear funding in place to actually carry out the repairs to the dock. In fact, the Government doesn’t even seem to know who is responsible for doing the work.

At some point, these failures stop being coincidence. The fixes themselves are not complicated. And the impact isn’t abstract.

The path forward is clear.

The Government must immediately prioritise and complete the repair of the HM Customs and Immigration dock. Customs officers must be equipped with the tools and infrastructure necessary to carry out their duties effectively and safely.

A full and transparent report on the September, 2023 cyber attack must be released, detailing what occurred, what vulnerabilities were exploited and what corrective actions have been taken.

Clear accountability must be established across all ministries to ensure that critical national security responsibilities are not lost in confusion or bureaucratic delay.

The pattern of failure can be seen – and deeply felt. It shows up in communities dealing with drugs and violence. In seniors being targeted by scams. And in a growing realisation that the systems meant to protect people aren’t working as they should.

Bermudians deserve better — and they should expect better — from those entrusted with the safety and security of this country.

The Government’s first duty is to protect its people. At present, it is failing.

· Robert King is Shadow National Security Minister and One Bermuda Alliance MP for Smith’s North