Gun attacks in North Hamilton that claimed three lives in two separate public shootings are being “diligently” investigated — but police have shared “deep concern about the limited number of witness statements received, despite these crimes occurring in broad daylight”, MPs heard today.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, updated the House of Assembly on police recruitment as he noted no charges had yet been filed in connection with the attacks, although arrests were made.

The Court Street neighbourhood was hit with the double murder of Natrae Eversley and Nakai Robinson in a shooting on August 12, and the fatal shooting of Janae Minors at her store on September 16.

Bolstering police numbers “remains a challenge in Bermuda’s tight labour market”, Mr Weeks told the House.

However, a local and international enlistment drive is aimed at bringing roughly 22 extra officers into the ranks early next year.

MPs heard that 15 recruits are set to graduate from training next month, with the same number to begin training in November.

The updated followed the announcement this month of Britain’s assistance with overseas specialist officers getting taken on for a six-month term to assist police.

Mr Weeks urged “the families, the friends, the co-workers and the neighbours who may have seen or heard something” to do their part and come forward.

He added: “Silence protects only the criminal. Speaking up protects the community, protects our children and restores peace to our streets.”

The minister highlighted the Government’s partnership with Crime Stoppers Bermuda to up its rewards for anonymous tips from $5,000 to $50,000 for confidential information leading to the arrest and charge of the perpetrators of gun and knife murders.

Mr Weeks said officers were “deploying every lawful tool available to disrupt gang activity and bring offenders to justice”, with work continuing with the Director of Public Prosecutions to “strengthen enforcement powers”, including “increased penalties where offences are committed with a bladed article or a firearm”.

He said police can avail of roughly 400 camera views that have “already provided crucial evidence in recent cases”, including ten government CCTV sites that have yielded evidence in the wake of “recent Court Street tragedies”.

“Cabinet will shortly consider the business case for the next phase of CCTV expansion, ensuring that the police are further supported in their work,” the minister added.

Mr Weeks urged the community to turn out on Monday for a town hall meeting on gun and gang violence from 6pm to 8pm at St Paul AME Centennial Hall in Hamilton, where he will join Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, and Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, to describe actions both “under way and planned” and hear the public’s views.

He added: “I encourage all residents to attend and to take part in this important national conversation.”

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Weeks on police, Crime Stoppers

• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media