At a tense press conference yesterday, Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons and Minister of National Security Michael Weeks faced tough questions from members of the media about the escalating cycle of gun violence gripping Bermuda.
The event came less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting of Miss Janae Minors in North Hamilton, which investigators believe may have been a retaliatory attack. The shooting occurred at the same time and day of the week as another gun attack five weeks earlier — Tuesday at 4:45 p.m. A strategic timing and message delivered to the opposing gang members.
TNN’s Trevor Lindsay pressed the officials on whether discussions with the recently convened Governor’s Council are prioritizing this surge in violence. Commissioner Simons confirmed that the council — a constitutional mechanism — has been meeting to address “legislative changes, staffing support, recruiting, equipment, and other overseas assistance.” He stressed that gang-related shootings are “the top priority” driving these meetings.
“This was the catalyst,” Simons said. “The Premier and the Governor agreed the Council should be called to galvanize our response, ensure we’re doing all we can to stop this, investigate the crimes, bring offenders to justice, and, from a longer-term perspective, stop this violence in our community.”
When asked about the possibility of “extreme measures,” the Commissioner rejected that characterization but acknowledged that new approaches are on the table. “We want to be proportionate, lawful, and perhaps even lawfully audacious in our actions,” he said. “A range of options are being considered. These are still early days, but we are committed to doing everything we can.”
Pressed on whether women — particularly mothers of known gang members — could be targeted in reprisals, Simons admitted that retaliation is always a concern. “It is almost always gang-connected individuals discharging firearms,” he explained. “This cycle of reprisals goes back as far as 2010. We need to do all we can to suppress it, bring offenders to justice, and take firearms off the streets.”
Lindsay also raised the issue of CCTV cameras, noting that new cameras on Court Street were installed only after the previous shooting five weeks ago and became operational after Tuesday’s fatal incident unfolded — capturing only the aftermath.
Commissioner Simons responded that Court Street cameras were part of the second phase of a wider CCTV project and that installing cameras in the city involves “complex trenching and networking work.” He added that Digicel has been assisting even without a finalized contract to speed up installation.
Minister Weeks acknowledged public frustration but emphasized logistical hurdles: “It’s not like dropping a pole on the side of the road. Planning and procurement take time. The tragedy is that those cameras were literally being brought online as this latest incident occurred.”
Despite assurances, Lindsay challenged the explanation, suggesting that prioritizing other areas over Court Street — long seen as a hotspot for gang activity — may appear “disingenuous” to the families of previous victims.
Both Simons and Weeks reiterated their commitment to tackling gang violence through increased police presence, stepped-up stop-and-search activity, and the continued rollout of CCTV. “We understand the frustration,” Simons said, “but we are doing everything lawfully possible to protect our community and bring those responsible to justice.”
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