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UBP politicians meet with Police chief DeSilva to put forward ideas

Police chief Michael DeSilva

New Police chief Michael DeSilva has met with a United Bermuda Party contingent as the Island continues to try to get to grips with the recent surge in gang violence.

Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley says the official Opposition wants to make a difference instead of making excuses and complaining about perceived weaknesses within Bermuda's policing system.

UBP Leader Kim Swan and veteran MPs John Barritt and Trevor Moniz all attended the meeting to get an understanding of the challenges facing the Police and put forward ideas to try to improve matters.

The news comes after The Royal Gazette reported how Governor Sir Richard Gozney entertained a bipartisan group of MPs for a discussion on violence in the wake of last Friday's double shooting outside Southside Cinema.

Sir Richard says Government has declined his offer for a regular forum on crime with himself and the Police, while Premier Ewart Brown and Public Safety Minister David Burch have frequently complained the constitution makes it difficult for them to tackle crime.

However, Sen. Dunkley said yesterday: "Instead of complaining about perceived weaknesses, all of us need to get involved — Government, Opposition, everyone in the community.

"We need to reach out and make a difference. Bermuda is a small enough place to do that.

"I would rather grab the bull by the horns and tackle the issues. What's the problem? Let's just do it. People don't want to hear excuses, they want to see people making a difference and making a change."

Sen. Dunkley declined to say exactly what was discussed at Tuesday's meeting, but said the UBP asked what the Police's plan of action is and how the UBP can help. He said the UBP will be following with a meeting with Assistant Commissioner Paul Wright to discuss gangs.

"For some time, you have heard us speak strongly about crime and public safety and what needs to be done in the community," said the UBP Senate Leader.

"We need to put politics aside. We are willing to do whatever we need to do to help the Police combat the issues. We need to understand the challenges that the Police might be having operationally and see how we could help.

"As politicians, we need to know not only what the community are feeling, but also the Police."

Mr. DeSilva, who is due to replace Commissioner George Jackson in mid-December, has shot up through the ranks having been appointed a Superintendent three years ago and Deputy Commissioner just over a year ago.

Sen. Burch has raised concerns over Mr. DeSilva's relative inexperience and stressed that Government was not involved in his selection.

Sen. Dunkley said yesterday: "I don't see anything in there to concern me. He's been very willing and open to discuss issues. I like the energy he brings."

Wednesday's visit to Government House was spearheaded by former Police chief Wayne Perinchief, now a Progressive Labour Party backbencher, who was joined by PLP colleague Michael Weeks, Shawn Crockwell of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance and Independent MP Wayne Furbert.

Sen. Dunkley said yesterday that the UBP had been invited, but a miscommunication meant nobody from the party attended.