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Community Violence Workshop for Stakeholders 

 “You may have heard me publicly state over and over that this problem is a community problem, not a Police problem. I meant it then, and I mean it now,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks as he addressed a two-day workshop discussing community violence.

Good morning,

I sincerely thank each of you for heeding the clarion call and being here today. I appreciate it.

This national security strategic session was born out of the idea that if these community violence issues are ever going to be addressed, then crucial stakeholders and those on the front lines of the response to this problem, needed to be brought together in one room for some candid discussion. But not just to talk, but to propose real solutions to this pandemic.

Good Morning Minister, members of the legislature, members of Clergy, Commissioners of Police and Education, and everyone here today to participate in this vital two-day workshop focused on understanding the violence in our community.

Last week, Premier David Burt and the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns recognized the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) Marine Development Team (MDT) of Dr. Tammy Warren, Andrew Petit, Sarah Manuel, Joanna Pitt, Philip Worboys, and Jirani Welch as the August recipients of the Public Service Excellence Award (PSEA).

The PSEA is a programme recognizes Public Officers who are demonstrating admirable service delivery. Each month an individual or team is selected for their significant accomplishments in the last 60 days.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House and the general public of the progressive steps being made to formalize the Gender Affairs Council. According to the United Nations, any gender council has a basic moral and strategic imperative to ensure that all people, regardless of their gender, can realize their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, some may recall that in 2008, the Government officially added gender equity to the Department of Human Affairs mandate, and approval was granted to establish an Equity Council for Bermuda.