National Security Minister: Update on Cup Match 2018 Weekend

In follow up to the initial rundown on Cup Match 2018, National Security Minister Wayne Caines told MPs that seven women joined the 41 men arrested over the long holiday weekend, who ended up in the lock up.

 

In a Ministerial Statement delivered on Friday, he said over the past week, he has held three meetings with the new Commissioner of Police, as his Ministry continues to work “closely with the leadership in the Bermuda Police Service to keep Bermuda safe”. 

 

Over the past week, he said he met “on three occasions with the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Stephen Corbishley”.

 

In follow up to the three meetings held with Commissioner Stephen Corbishley, Minister Caines said he was “encouraged” by the “discussions, deliberations and strategizing”, as a result of the meetings held to date. 

 

He also reminded his parliamentary colleagues that “operational policing remains the purview of the Governor”.

 

The 48 arrests over the Cup Match weekend include:

The Bermuda Police Service also “used overnight watches with up to 50 police officers above standard levels to deal with any increases in illegal or antisocial activities”, over the holiday weekend.

 

“In total, there were approximately 150 police officers deployed throughout the weekend,” said Mr Caines.

 

“The men and women of the BPS were bolstered by the Reserve Police and Royal Bermuda Regiment,” he added.

 

“There were up to 50 officers per day at the Cup Match grounds, with a command centre on site at the field.

 

“This year, for the first time, CCTV cameras covered the grounds at SCC, with the cameras monitored by BPS and the club’s private security personnel.”

 

Overall, he said: “The country can rest assured that the Government will continue to work with the Bermuda Police Service to keep Bermuda safe by reducing crime and antisocial behavior.

 

“Whilst I congratulate the Bermuda Police Service on a well-executed Cup Match Policing strategy; the general public should also be saluted for adhering to the law and for supporting the BPS.”

 

On the downside he said the police investigation into the stabbing incident at Paradise Lakes continues.

 

“It involved a stabbing and injuries to two people, who were treated in hospital and released,” he said.

 

“There were a number of events involving large crowds of people having fun that occurred without incident. The list of events includes the Cup Match event itself, major concerts, Beachfest, the Raft-Up in St. George’s and the Non-Mariners event in which hundreds of boats were present.

 

“Considering the amount of people, there were very few incidents. 

 

“We must thank our emergency service personnel. We see them as “first-responders” when there is an incident, but we forget they are on duty – away from family and friends – during these holidays when the rest of us are having fun.  They are on duty at all manner of unsociable hours to protect and serve us. They include people at the hospital and ambulance service, our firemen and people responsible for maritime safety. And there are many others.”

 

He also noted that he was a “beneficiary of the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Bermuda Police Service joint maritime policing deployment; when they rescued me from the Boston whaler in which I was travelling, which encountered engine failure.

 

Even when factoring in the incident at Paradise Lakes, he said the Cup Match holiday was “relatively safe”.

 

“There is still an opportunity for the BPS to learn and grow from last week’s events,” he said. 

 

“The Government will continue to work with the BPS to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and that Bermuda is a safe place for all.”