Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

National Security Minister urges the public to enjoy the Cup Match holiday

Minister of National Security Wayne Perinchief

The brazen barbershop murder of Joshua Robinson in broad daylight is cause for concern, but not enough to change the way Bermuda functions as a society.This from National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief in response to questions fielded by The Royal Gazette.The Minister was asked if now is the time for business operators to take extra security measures to protect themselves and their clientele, following a press conference held yesterday.“We must not allow our reactions to crime to change our society,” said Mr Perinchief.Speaking specifically to the barbershop incident on June 23, he said: “I don’t believe the barbershop is at risk when we talk about security.“The fact that an individual who obviously had been targeted happened to be at that barbershop was unfortunate, but I don’t think it’s a cause for everybody to start barricading their doors,” he said.“And I would hope that even at that barbershop that they would return to, if you like, normalcy and not install a whole lot of elaborate security devices because at the end of the day I think that the country has to return to a state of normalcy.“I think it was an extraordinary situation,” he added. “And I believe that there has been a lessening of tension now that crime basically is down.“Where some people persist in criminal behaviour I think that eventually they’ll be caught and stopped and this country will get back to some semblance of normalcy,” he added.And leading up to the annual Cup Match Classic, the Minister appealed to “those people who would disrupt the holidays to cease and desist and let this country get on normally”.“We’ve got an opportunity during the Cup Match, we’ve got about five days of revelry and good times and I would hope that Bermudians will enjoy themselves the way they normally do.“People are fed up and they are helping the police more,” he said. “I’ve heard that there is a rejection of antisocial behaviour at some of our sporting clubs and at some of our social clubs.“Some clubs have even chosen to shut the bar down rather than allow some people to act inappropriately in their premises, so the tide has changed,” said Mr Perinchief.Less than a week after the brutal murder, the owner of Jason’s Barbershop contemplated new security measures that include the installation of an electronic buzzer to gain entry and surveillance cameras.Grateful for the support he is receiving from the public, Dean Fox said the security changes he will be making to his business are necessary not only for his customers, but his staff as well.“Unfortunately, because of what’s happened, we feel it’s necessary now to take proper precautions to protect ourselves as employees, as well as protect our clients,” he said. “We are not going to continue operating if it’s a risk to ourselves or our customers.“We plan on doing everything in our power to ensure that Jason’s is a safe environment, as it has been for the past 20 years, despite this tragic incident, which could not have been foreseen.”Meanwhile the investigation into the premeditated murder of Joshua Robinson continues. Anyone with information that will assist the Serious Crime Unit is urged to call 247-1340, 247-1739 or the main police number 295-0011.There is also the confidential, independent Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS).