HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jul 12, CMC -The main opposition One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) has called for greater cooperation with the police as the British Overseas Territory deals with a spate of murders, including six over the past five days.
“Now we are in an emergency state, we’re in a national crisis. Now is not the time for small steps. Now is not the time for real debates. Now is the time for conclusive and decisive action against a tide that is drowning us,” said OBA leader, Jarion Richardson.
“We have to support the police at this time and provide information that you know, provide assistance for all the emergency services.”
In the latest killings, acting Police Commissioner, Na’imah Astwood, said the motives were unclear, but acknowledged that “families are grieving.
“As the Acting Commissioner of Police, I am not only speaking to you as a law enforcement official but I am also speaking to you as a member of this close-knit community of Bermuda.
“I understand the fear and uncertainty that these incidents have brought upon all of us. Please know that the Bermuda Police Service are fully committed to thoroughly investigating and bringing clarity to the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
“I want to reassure you that we are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of our community. The wellbeing of each and every resident of Bermuda is of utmost importance to us and we are dedicated to provide you with the support and protection you rightfully deserve,” she said, urging users of social media to act responsibly and with sensitivity as well as refrain from putting out misinformation.
The authorities have also identified the bodies of the four people, including two children, found in an apartment in South Terrace, Pembroke, last week.
They have been identified as four year-old Na-Vii Trimm-Parfitt, nine year-old Drae-E Trimm-Parfitt, 39 year-old Nicole Parfitt and 40-year-old Ramon Trimm.
“The investigation regarding this tragic incident is ongoing and the BPS (Bermuda Police Service) thank those persons that have already come forward to assist with inquiries,” the authorities said, noting “however, the appeal continues for anyone with any information relating to this matter, even if it seems insignificant.
The police are calling on “members of our community directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy to reach out to relevant helping agencies for specialist assistance if necessary”.
Richardson also urged members of the public to come together and co-operate with the police, urging the government also to bolster the ranks of the BPS.
“These tragic events feel like it’s Bermuda under siege. It feels like there’s nothing but fear, there’s nothing but confusion in our community,” he said, noting that as a former police officer, “I’ve heard the families’ cries, I’ve seen what happens to them.
“I know what its like to be a Bermudian to be living in this environment with you, beside you. My colleagues and I are members of the community. No one lives in an ivory tower, not for us, and so we feel for you, we hear you, we are listening”.
Shadow Minister of National Security, Ben Smith, said 2024 is turning out to be a “terrible” year.
“But it’s 2024 compounded in all the years that have passed, 30-plus murders unsolved, seven within the last seven weeks. We’ve heard the prayers and condolences way too many times. At some point we have to see action,” he said.
He said many of those being killed “are the children of the generation that was dying in 2009, 2010.”
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army has announced plans to hold a prayer vigil “to shine some light into the darkness”.
The Salvation Army’s Bermuda commander, Major Cathy Simms, said the open-air gathering is being offered after events this week had been “unnerving” and “overwhelming”.
“It will be an informal gathering where we will share prayer together, listen to some uplifting music and be available to converse and pray with residents in the neighbourhood. Let’s come together as a community of believers and pray and share the love of Jesus with those who are hurting at this time.
“Please make this event a matter of prayer even now today. Thank you in advance for your prayerful support and we look forward to seeing you there,” he said, adding that the vigil will be held on Friday evening at 7.15 (local time).
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