Tonight on TNN News, we begin a two-part series that takes a closer look at Bermuda’s Gang Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) — a dedicated group working quietly but persistently to steer lives away from the grip of violence.
Led by Pastor Leroy Bean, the team has spent years on the front lines, bridging communities, counseling families, and building pathways to peace. Through exclusive insights, firsthand accounts, and revealing statistics, this series will explore the inner workings of the GVRT, highlighting both its successes and the ongoing challenges of tackling gang- violence related issues in Bermuda.
I was afforded the opportunity to look at a three-part series of interviews by Pastor Leroy Bean on BBC. I must state I found the interviews to be quite informative, transparent and indeed an eye opener, especially concerning the work carried out by the Gang Violence Reduction Team.
The statistics were phenomenal to say the least for such a small team. Bermuda should be ever so grateful. It would also be advantageous for me to mention that I also had the opportunity to read Pastor Bean’s book Gang Violence is by Design. Exposing the Lie, which no doubt touches into the deep rooted issues that many of us turn a blind eye to. The unfortunate thing is that if not addressed, the gentrification strategy and process to carry it out will continue to have free course within our Island home, Bermuda.
However, it would be beneficial for us as the readers and listening audience to backtrack to the first interview. The obvious fact was that there was no doubt that the journalist from BBC appeared to be out of his comfort zone, or as some may say, into deep waters with a topic he did not fully understand. Thus, meriting the question, did he truly grasp the principles that the author was trying to relay to his reading audience?
After all, Pastor Bean, in his book, was laying out the pillars for the foundation of some proven models that have been used by several independent countries that have seen a reduction in crime.
Mr. Skelton then went on to give his opinion of what he believed the author was saying, which created a false narrative to those who have not read the book and could promote a misleading belief that Pastor Bean believes, and I quote Mr. Skelton, “that an independent Bermuda could better address the problem.” He then stated ” the idea that Bermuda needs independence from the UK to truly address the problem, which is a misrepresentation of the author. Mr. Skelton went on to say, “nevertheless, he (Pastor Bean) fails to provide any examples of how independence from the UK has enabled former colonies to better address violence in their own communities”.
It is from this perspective that I would have to disagree with the astute journalist, as it is quite apparent that Mr. Skelton did not read the book in its entirety but only glanced over certain segments, which makes one ask, where and how did he create such an opinion? The author, throughout the book, stated that gang violence is but a secondary issue to a larger problem. To be more pellucid, Pastor Bean in the book addresses the systemic model that reflects many of the issues we are experiencing today that are the causes of crime, poverty, economic disparity, lack of education/vocational training, disenfranchisement, and the list goes on. Mr. Skelton suggested that Pastor Bean failed to point out examples of where gang violence has been reduced in other colonies that have broken away. However, it is imperative to point out that gang violence is part of the overall crime statistics in Bermuda and cannot be separated. Furthermore, Pastor Bean never inferred that independence would eliminate gang violence. It was the journalist’s conclusion. As a matter of fact, on page 31 of his book, he states, “Would independence for Bermuda automatically ignite a significant drop in the crime rate? Probably not.” He further stated on page 34, “Again, independence is not the be-all and end-all, but it can serve to at least help rid Bermuda of unwarranted restraining vestiges, cleaning the slate for a greater future and more progressive system with the propensity to restore rather than penalize.” So, to mislead someone as an experienced journalist by creating a statement and narrative that was never said or suggested is certainly unethical, if not illegal. During the interview, Pastor Bean on a few occasions emphasizes the importance of the mindsets being changed, which could only be done by uprooting the systematic foundation that must be replaced by a different system/model.
On page 36 of his book, he referred to “the world’s most peaceful countries, including the likes of Switzerland, Norway, Austria, Denmark, Canada, Sweden, Australia and Japan” where “we can see the correlation between education and low crime rates.” The synopsis of the whole concept is that people who received adequate education and training are more successful in securing viable employment and are less likely to commit a crime.” The book goes on to state that “It is proven that with a strong welfare state concept, individuals tend to feel less compelled to steal, kill, or participate in lawless acts to feed, house, and clothe themselves or finance lifestyle habits.” Such high levels of education in these independent countries have created greater employment opportunities and options, resulting in a lower wealth gap compared to other countries. Bringing us back to the need for a new model that benefits us all, and for this to be done, we must change our mindsets. This would require us as a country to take a deep inventory with the view to revamp many of the structures within our current system so that we could truly bring about equality, justice, and equity for all.
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