Inter-Island Communications News Brief – July 16, 2020

Read and listen to Inter-Island Communications News Brief for July 16, 2020

A police spokesperson said, “At around 11:20 p.m. on Tuesday, 14th July, police received a report of a male allegedly armed with a knife, causing a disturbance inside a North Hamilton establishment. Upon police arrival, it was discovered the subject had left the area on a motorcycle, while not wearing a helmet. A search of the area commenced, and the subject was seen approaching a residence on Middletown Lane, Pembroke when he lost control of the motorcycle and fell onto the roadway. Checks indicated that the motorcycle was unlicensed and uninsured. Officers approached the male and arrested him on suspicion of having an offensive weapon. A subsequent search revealed he had a box cutter in his possession. He was then arrested for being in possession of an offensive weapon. Officers also smelt alcohol emanating from the man’s breath and saw that his eyes were glazed. He refused to submit a breath sample when requested to do so. The suspect was charged with carrying an offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failing to comply with a demand for a breath test. He was also issued four moving violation tickets for riding an uninsured motorcycle, riding an unlicensed motorcycle, not having a driver’s license and riding without a helmet.”

Due process in the exercise of justice is as important as justice itself. This from Police Commissioner Stephen Corbishley responding to concerns expressed by the Social Justice Bermuda Facebook group over how long it’s taking for authorities to evaluate the work history and post of a BPS officer who shared an All Lives Splatter image on their social media just before the Black Lives Matter march.

Commissioner Corbishley said quote “I recognize the deep hurt and anger this particular incident has caused the community. However, the due process we are obliged to follow in such matters takes time, not least as there is also need to engage with the DPPs office to ascertain if the matter should also be subject to a criminal investigation. Whilst I am not able to comment specifically on the stage we are at with this particular case I do highlight the following as it applies to all misconduct investigations we deal with, which are additionally subject to oversight by the Independent Police Complaints Authority. Matters of wrongdoing, both misconduct and gross misconduct, are investigated in line with the Police Codes of Conduct and Bermuda Labour Laws. There is due process to follow and this has to be observed. Whilst this may be frustrating for some who seek ‘immediate justice’ we are legally obliged to adhere to the Police Codes of Conduct. It also takes time and allows those accused to have access to a fair and unbiased disciplinary process.”

A BELCO spokesperson said, “Shortly after 10 am this morning an alarm was activated in the East Power Plant Switching Room at Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited [BELCO]. While the incident is currently under investigation, an initial assessment points to the activation of a fire suppression system which released fire retardant into the switching room. There was no smoke or fire present at any time. As a precaution, the power to the switchboard was immediately transferred to an alternative switchboard. As a fire alarm had been triggered, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service were automatically notified and attended the site of the alarm. There was never any threat to personnel or to [the] power supply. The incident remains under investigation and operations continue as normal.”

In order to better address the post-pandemic reality, the Pembroke Parish Council has expanded the age range and extended the application deadline for their annual Bermuda College grants and awards. A spokesperson said quote “Previously limited to high school graduates, the tuition funds are now available to Pembroke residents between the ages of 17 and 24, who are planning to enroll or who are already enrolled at the College. Pembroke Parish Council Chair, Patricka Ferguson said the awards are an investment into the development of the community. The Pembroke Parish Council continues to aim to invest in the Pembroke Community. This is our second year offering our scholarship to ensure that Pembroke residents are equipped to pursue their aspirations professionally. We believe education is one of the fundamental stepping stones for any community to ensure that they continue to progress in the world. Education is an asset that cannot be stolen. Therefore, by the Pembroke Parish Council investing via scholarship and grants into the community, we are aiding in the first step of generational wealth. Enquiries can be sent to pembrokeparishcouncil@gmail.com where further details and the application form will be provided. Deadline for submissions: Monday, August 10, 2020, at 5 p.m.”