Change of Command Ceremony: Bermuda Reserve Police

Friday, June 02,2023

At 6:30pm Thursday, 1st June 2023 at the Police Recreation Club hall in Prospect, Devonshire, a new Commandant of the Bermuda Reserve Police (BRP), Ron-Michel Davis, was officially sworn in by Commissioner of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) Darrin Simons, in front of a capacity audience. Outgoing Commandant Sandra Beach was thanked for her 28 years of voluntary service, having joined the BRP on 8th July 1995, the last 7 years served as Commandant. Mrs Beach had the distinction of being the first female officer to lead the BRP. Mrs. Beach gave a speech thanking her colleagues for their support during her time as Commandant. Incoming Commandant Ron-Michel Davis joined the BRP on 13th November 2001 and was promoted, in March of 2014, to the rank of Deputy Commandant. Mr. Davis swore the Official Oath, Oath of Allegiance and the Ceremonial Oath in front of a capacity audience of friends, colleagues and family, following which the official change of command was carried out where the Commandant’s sword was ceremonially passed from Commandant Beach to Commandant Davis with due pomp and ceremony. After being officially sworn in as Commandant Thursday evening, Mr. Davis took the opportunity to thank his family, friends and colleagues for their ongoing support and outlined his plans for the BRP during his tenure as Commandant to which he asked to be held to account, stating that he was a man of his word and that his word was his bond. He also outlined his plans to strengthen ties with other Reserve Police Services in similar jurisdictions including the Royal Bahamas Police Reserves. The prayer of dedication was given by Mr. Davis’ father the Reverend Rodney Grimes and the Bermuda Police Service Chaplain Dr. Kevin Santucci gave the closing prayer before a rousing performance of the BPS Anthem “True Blue” was played by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band to close the proceedings. BPS and BRP senior leadership team members present were Commissioner Darrin Simons, Deputy Commissioner Na’imah Astwood, Assistant Commissioners Martin Weekes and Antoine Daniels, along with Reserve Inspectors Mikkel Harris and Shawn Russell. Dignitaries and special guests also in attendance included: Her Excellency the Governor, Ms. Rena Lalgie Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks JP, MP Permanent Secretary for National Security, Lt. Col. Edward Lamb Royal Bermuda Regiment Major Duncan E. R. Simons Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Dana Lovell Ombudsman Mr. Michael DeSilva, retired Commissioner of Police Musical performances by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band were courtesy of Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Benjamin Beasley. Photos courtesy of Dexter Flood.

Assistant Commissioner Weekes: Operation Vega Impaired Driving Statistics

Thursday, June 01,2023

Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes, Operations: "The most recent Operation Vega statistics indicate that between January and May 2023, there were 117 arrests for impaired driving. For the same period in 2022, there were 71 such arrests. To say that these numbers are concerning, would be an understatement. Remember, every time you operate a vehicle while impaired, there is the potential to cause significant damage, life altering injury or, death. Whilst the BPS has stepped up patrols as part of Operation Vega, police presence alone cannot prevent drinking and driving. Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints are advertised days in advance of them being implemented, yet individuals are still arrested for impaired driving during these exercises. This is a “Bermuda” problem that requires more than enforcement to fix. We as a country must look at the drinking culture that alcohol consumption is a prerequisite for having a good time at social gatherings, be they dinner parties, a session or fete. That, coupled with the realisation that we must accept individual responsibility for our actions. It might be cliché, but if you plan to drink to have a good time, then you must plan to get home without operating a vehicle on the road. The BPS do not wish to prevent you having a good time, all we ask is that you consider your actions and those of family and friends around you, to ensure you all get safely home at the end of the day. While the life you save may be your own, are you prepared to live with the fact that you took the life of another person because you decided to drive drunk, buzzed or high?"

Operation Vega Update for May 2023

Thursday, June 01,2023

Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, Tactical Operations Division – “The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) continues our efforts to reduce harm on Bermuda’s roads. As we enter the summer months, it is likely that there will be an increased number of visitors using the island’s roads. Please look out for them and each other, by making sensible decisions while driving or riding.” Statistics From 1st January until 31st May 2023, 117 motorists were arrested for impaired driving – 14 in January, 27 in February, 25 in March, 21 in April and 30 in May. In comparison, for the same five month period in 2022, a total of 71 motorists were arrested for impaired driving. During the month of May 2023, 284 traffic tickets were issued by the BPS, down from 471 issued during April 2023. In addition, 50 motorist advice notices (official written warnings) were issued in May, down from 59 in the previous month. May also saw 175 parking tickets issued, down from 209 parking tickets issued the month before. Since the start of Operation Vega (6th July 2021), a total of 10,014 traffic tickets have been issued. The breakdown of ticketed traffic offences for May 2023 is below. The change compared to April 2023 is provided in brackets. Speeding                                        78 (-71) Speeds ranged from 59 kph to 86 kph. Traffic sign                                    34 (+5) Unlicensed vehicle                        45 (-35) No third party insurance                40 (-24) No driver’s licence                        32 (-25) Manner of driving                           9 (-2) Disqualified driver                           1 (0) Seatbelt                                          23 (+14) Helmet                                             2 (-6) Handheld device                              5 (-13) Defective vehicle                             1 (-2) Fail to give name/address                0 (0) Fail to stop                                       3 (-4) Fraudulent documents                     3 (+3) Making false statement                   0 (0) License plate offence                      8 (-8) Tint offence                                    0 (-14) Youth license offence                     0 (-4)

Ongoing Witness Appeal: Seriously Hurt Male Motorcyclist Remains in ICU

Wednesday, May 31,2023

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), is renewing its appeal for information regarding that serious single vehicle collision, which took place on Crow Lane Sunday, May 28th, 2023. The 44-year-old male victim in that collision remains in the Intensive Care Unit for further medical treatment of his injuries, which are life threatening. You may remember around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, police responded to a report of a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle near the eastbound Crow Lane, Pembroke bus stop. When they arrived, police officers and emergency medical personnel found a 44-year-old male, unconscious but breathing. Indications are the male motorcyclist was traveling along the eastbound carriageway of Crow Lane, on the approach to the North Roundabout, when he somehow became involved in a collision and was ejected from the bike. He suffered serious head and facial injuries as well as a serious injury to his left arm. He was provided treatment at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The investigation into this matter remains ongoing and anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Police Constable Mervin Homer on 295-0011 or, via email mhomer@bps.bm. You may also call 211, submit the information using the BPS Community Reporting Portal at https://portal.police.bm or, speak with a police officer you’re comfortable with. Alternatively, you may anonymously share any information you have by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or by visiting their website - www.crimestoppers.bm.

Sudden Death: Unresponsive Male Found on Par-La-Ville Road

Tuesday, May 30,2023

Around 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, police received a report of an unresponsive male in the walkway of a property on Par-La-Ville Road, Pembroke. Police and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene. On arrival, officers ascertained that the person was deceased. The police doctor attended and certified death shortly after. There were no signs of foul play. However, the location was processed by the Forensics Support Unit to assist with the pending enquiry. The body was subsequently transported to the morgue at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. No further information will be provided at this time. A coroner's enquiry will be completed.