Violence Team Deployed Six Times To Date In Response To Gang & Gun Violence

The Government’s Gang Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) has been “deployed six (6) times this year” in response to violent crime, including gun murders, emotional hardship and other serious incidents.

National Security Minister Renee Ming made the disclosure in the House on Friday (June 18) while updating MPs on the ongoing work in the community by the GVRT “to de-escalate and mediate tensions when necessary”.

“Mediation of the tensions and conflicts has been direct and inclusive of individuals from all areas,” she said.

“The outreach work of the GVRT has connected many at-risk individuals to various resources and long term solutions that provide case management services. The goal is to steer these young people towards proactive quotient and pro-social activities that provide a range of opportunities for change. This has not been without its challenges.”

On that note the Minister said: “Unfortunately on April 6, 2021 Bermuda experienced its first fatal shooting. Again, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jordan Outerbridge. Another Bermudian family is now in mourning because of senseless violence.

“The GVRT’s Coordinated Crisis Response Unit (CCR) has been steady at work. Since the beginning of the year, the team have been deployed six (6) times to support the community through emotional hardship and serious incidents.

“The CCR Unit have reported to the hospital several times and made several home visits to affected families, along with targeted community assessments after each incident. The CCR Unit have trained staff in place to provide immediate emotional support to the affected families and areas. They also provide immediate triage in order to mitigate the effects through general support, counselling services and after care,” she added.

Jordan Outerbridge, 37, was shot in Warwick as he walked home from a card game on the night of April 6 near the junction of Ord Road and Tribe Road No 2.