Good evening Bermuda,

I wish to begin by extending my thanks to all of you for ensuring that this past Cup Match holiday weekend was as incident-free as possible.

For the most part, residents adhered to the guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Health.

While there were a few situations of note which required Police attention, overall there was broad cooperation from our community.

I wish to also commend our joint community engagement teams comprising of the Bermuda Police Service and the Royal Bermuda Regiment who were actively visible over the Cup Match holiday.

All our uniformed personnel worked around the clock to ensure public safety on land and sea.

As indicated by the BPS earlier this week, there were around 27 arrests made between last Wednesday night and Sunday night.

These were for a combination of outstanding warrants, drinking and driving and assaults.

There were some bladed article or knife incidents which required arrests, and just over 60 traffic tickets issued for speeding and other offences.

Over the holiday period, I had an opportunity to visit the Coast Guard at their headquarters in the West End.

I received an impressive and detailed overview of their operations, inclusive of their planned patrol activities over the holiday period.

The Coast Guard has been operating 24/7 during this pandemic period to enforce emergency regulations on the water; to ensure mariners are in compliance with Bermuda’s existing maritime laws; and to respond to search and rescue incidents up to 12 nautical miles from shore.

From all accounts, it was an extremely busy day on the water over the long holiday weekend, and wish to take this opportunity to publicly commend each member of our Coast Guard for their commitment and service.

A note about our 2020 Hurricane Season – which as we have seen has been quite active.

I am urging residents to remain vigilant in ensuring that you are properly prepared in the event of a severe storm or hurricane – particularly against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a reminder, residents should ensure they have the basic supplies in their hurricane kits.

This includes restocking your typical non-perishable food supplies, making sure you have fresh batteries and smartphone battery packs, flashlights and other items to aid in an emergency.

A change to the usual hurricane kit should be the addition of appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) for you and your family.

There should be enough PPE to last for at least seven (7) days for each member of the household.

Residents should also carry out routine activities like updating emergency plans, checking on home and marine vessel insurance and making key repairs around their home.

Emergency and key contact numbers for medical and social services should also be updated.

As a reminder, Hurricane Season is from June 1 - November 30, and as we shared earlier this year, global meteorologists have indicated that this year’s season will be busy due to warmer temperatures.

Please note as I have said previously, we continue to be in the throes of a pandemic.

Bermuda, we have managed very well so far, but it is going to take every one of us to continue to do our part and assist where we can.

If you visit any establishments please adhere to the requisite guidelines.

This includes if you attend any gatherings of up to 50 people.

Please make sure you are taking the right steps to protect yourself and others.

And if at any time you see any breaches of the COVID-19 guidelines please do not hesitate to call the hotline on 2-11.

Regarding the disappearance of Miss Chavelle Dillon-Burgess, I urge the public to please come forward to provide the Bermuda Police Service with any advice or information regarding Ms. Dillon-Burgess’ disappearance to please call 717-0854 or 717-0864.

Alternatively people can also make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.