LATEST NEWS, inside the BPS

Joint Cup Match 2024 Press Conference

Wed, 2024-07-31

Superintendent Jerome Laws – “Good Afternoon to the media and Bermuda. I will be the Gold Commander for the upcoming Cup Match Classic, as well as the Emancipation Day festivities at Horseshoe Bay beach.

Bermuda’s summertime highlight, this holiday weekend we celebrate Emancipation Day (Thursday) and Mary Prince Day (Friday) with our friends, family and loved ones.

As you might expect, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has an operational plan in place regarding these particular events, which are traditionally popular with locals and visitors.

Cup Match Classic

This year’s Cup Match Classic, between Somerset and St. George’s Cricket Clubs, will be held at the Somerset Cricket Club grounds Thursday, 1st August and Friday, 2nd August, 2024.

Working in partnership with Somerset Cricket Club management, the Bermuda Police Service, alongside the Royal Bermuda Regiment and a local security company, will have a heightened and visible presence at the venue on both days, to facilitate a safe environment for all.

Additional police resources will once again be co-located in the onsite Joint Agency Command Centre (JACC), with Somerset Cricket Club, a local security company, St. John’s Ambulance plus related stakeholders, prepared to respond to any calls for service in a proportionate and appropriate manner.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Similarly, a robust police presence, alongside the Royal Bermuda Regiment will be in place at Horseshoe Bay beach on Thursday, 1st August, 2024, working in conjunction with relevant stakeholders like the Department of Parks.

The first day of the Cup Match holiday weekend tends to see an uptick in activity at Horseshoe Bay.

With that in mind, a BPS drone will be used to monitor and direct any police response to calls for service, as in previous years.

Enjoy Safely & Responsibly

Police presence at both locations is necessary, to discourage those members of our community who may seek to disrupt these specific festivities with acts of violence or anti-social behaviour.

Residents and visitors attending each event are encouraged to have fun, but are also reminded to do so in a safe and responsible manner.

Please drink responsibly if consuming alcoholic beverages and be considerate of others.

Avoid parking anywhere that will block emergency vehicle and residential driveway access.

Finally, do not ride or drive on the roads impaired and do not operate any watercraft while impaired.

In closing, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police and his Senior Leadership Team, we wish each and every one of you a safe and enjoyable Cup Match.”

Stabbing Incident: Man Injured on Cambridge Road in Sandys Parish

Wed, 2024-07-31

Shortly after 1:00am on Tuesday 31st of July 2024 police were dispatched to a report of a stabbing on Cambridge Road near to the junction with Somerset Road, Sandys.

On police arrival, it was ascertained that two males had been involved in a physical altercation, when another male on a motorcycle arrived at the scene and stabbed one of the males involved in the original altercation. The rider of the motorcycle then proceeded to make good escape along Cambridge Road, headed in the direction of Long Bay Road.

The victim who is believed to be in his early 20s has been conveyed to King Edward Memorial Hospital for treatment of several stabs wounds. The extent of his injuries is not known at this time.

A portion of Cambridge Road has been cordoned off whilst police process the scene.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Acting Inspector Odesa Philip on 717-2193 or ophilip@bps.bm.

Anonymous reporting can also be made on portal.police.bm or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.

Confirmed Firearm Incident in Paget: Woman Shot & Hospitalised

Tue, 2024-07-30

Around 11:10 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a confirmed firearms incident on the South Shore Road near the junction with Strawberry Hill, Paget.

Upon arrival, officers found a female who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, lying in the roadway next to a motorcycle.

EMTs commenced life saving measures before transporting the victim to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment of her injuries which are considered life-threatening.

Reports are the female and a male pillion passenger were traveling west on the South Shore Road, when they were shot at by unknown suspects who fled the scene traveling east on a dark coloured motorcycle.

It is not known whether the pillion passenger who left the scene before the arrival of police, was injured.

An investigation into this incident has now commenced and anyone with any information is asked to contact Acting Detective Inspector Odessa Philip of the Serious Crime Unit, on 717-2193 or via email ophilip@bps.bm.

You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477 or share the information with a police officer you know.

Alternatively, we urge you to use the police Community Reporting Portal at, https://portal.police.bm.

After 7 Years, Jahkoby Smith Murder Witness Appeal Continues

Mon, 2024-07-29

Around 7:15pm on Saturday 29th July, 2017, Jahkoby Smith (pictured below), was fatally stabbed after he was involved in an altercation that took place at the West End Sailboat Club, Sandys. At that time, there was a wake being held for the late Jahcari Francis.

Police and EMTs rendered assistance to Mr. Smith at the scene; however, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

On this the seventh anniversary of his death, the Bermuda Police Service is once again appealing for any witnesses to please come forward to help us solve this crime and bring closure to the family of Mr. Smith.

We would like to speak with anyone who may have seen something or heard something, particularly, if you were at the West End Sailboat Club or in the general vicinity, around the time of the incident.

Also, anyone knowing the movements of Jahkoby Smith prior to this incident, is urged to contact Detective Inspector Dean Martin on 717-2074 / 247-1739.

You may also provide information to us by contacting the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline anonymously on 800-8477. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

You may also speak with another officer you know or, use the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.

Mr. Martin said, “There is someone out there who knows the person or persons responsible for Mr. Smith’s death. We urge you to come forward and speak with us. You have the option of remaining anonymous by using the Crime Stoppers number or speaking to an officer you may know.”

“Remember, with the assistance of the public, we have been able to solve a number of recent serious crimes or have been provided information, which has allowed us to make significant progress with investigations into historical crimes.”

If you have any information on the murder of Jahkoby Smith, please, reach out to us.”

Reported Serious Motorcycle Collision on North Shore Road, Pembroke

Mon, 2024-07-29

Shortly before 12:45 a.m., on Monday, July 29th, 2024, police and Emergency Medical Services personnel, were dispatched to a reported single vehicle road traffic collision, involving a motor bike, near the junction of West Park Lane and North Shore Road, Pembroke.

Details are limited at this time. However, it was reported that the motorcycle rider, a 30 year old male, sustained a possible head injury and was unresponsive.

He was attended to at the scene by Emergency Medical Technicians, before being conveyed by ambulance, to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for further treatment of his injuries.

The roadway was closed to vehicular traffic for just under two hours, while the collision scene was processed.

An investigation into this incident is underway and anyone with information is asked to contact the main police number, 295-0011.

You may also call 211 or provide the information via the police Community Reporting Portal at, https://portal.police.bm.

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection With Scaur Hill Double Murder

Fri, 2024-07-26

On Thursday, July 25th, 2024, the Bermuda Police Service Serious Crime Unit, supported by the Criminal Investigation, Gang Targeting and Police Support Units, executed two warrants in the Sandys Parish area.

Two male suspects were arrested in connection with the ongoing investigations into the murders of Razi Garland and Amon Robinson.

Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph of the Crime Division stated: “Our officers continue to work tirelessly to progress these serious matters, however, we need the continued support of our community.

We are once again appealing for anyone with information, to please contact the Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa on 717-2250 or, via email at adonawa@bps.bm.”

You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.

Alternatively, please share the information with a police officer you know.

No further information will be provided at this time.

Seizures Made Under Proceeds of Crime Act

Mon, 2024-07-22

On Saturday, July 20th, 2024, police along with the Department of Customs and other stakeholders, conducted a joint operation, at L.F. Wade International Airport.

A 58-year-old Mexican National was arrested at LFW International Airport for money laundering offenses, after he was found in possession of a large quantity of cash.  He was also arrested in relation to investigations into other outstanding matters.

The Bermuda Police Service Financial Crime Unit, assisted by the Tactical Division, Gang Targeting, and Drug Units, later executed Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) search warrants, at residences in Devonshire and Paget. More than 17 thousand dollars in cash was seized, and two persons arrested.

The team also seized a quantity of controlled drugs and several high-value items, suspected to be the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph of the Crime Division stated, “Laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct can cause significant social and economic harm to our community by fuelling organized crime networks.”

“We will continue to work with our partners at L.F. Wade International Airport to detect, disrupt and dismantle Money Laundering operations."

The BPS Specialists Investigations Department continues investigations into these matters.

No further information will be provided at this time.

Car & Pedal Cycle Collision Seriously Injures Male Pedal Cyclist

Sun, 2024-07-21

Around 9:08 a.m. on Sunday, July 21st, 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcar and a pedal cyclist, on Pitts Bay Road near the junction with Mill Creek Road, Pembroke.

Details are limited at this time, however, the male pedal cyclist reportedly sustained serious head injuries.

He was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where at last check, he continued to receive treatment for those injuries.

The female driver of the motor car was not reported to be injured.

The scene of the collision is currently being processed and the roadway remains closed at this time.

Anyone with information on this incident, is asked to contact PC 2578, Taylor on 515-2578 or via email at, ptaylor2@bps.bm.

You may also call the main police number 295-0011.

Recruit Foundation Course 83 Passing Out Parade Recap

Fri, 2024-07-19

The Passing Out Parade for Recruit Foundation Course (RFC) 83 took place 4pm Thursday, 18th July 2024 at Police Headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire.

12 Constables, consisting of seven women and five men were on parade, accompanied by the Bermuda Island Pipe Band under the command of Pipe Major Aidan Stones. They were led by the Parade Commander and Drill Instructor Acting Chief Inspector Derrick Golding.

The newest members of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) are:

Constable 2600 Utsav Bansal

Constable 2602 Rachel Benedict

Constable 2603 Ashley Berkeley

Constable 2605 Chante James

Constable 2606 Amoy Johnson-Smith

Constable 2607 Tyler Kendall

Constable 2608 Holly Lavigne-Smith

Constable 2609 Logan Alexander

Constable 2610 Dragan Pavkovic

Constable 2611 Suraj Nair

Constable 2612 Tahirah Simmons

Constable 2613 Jah-Kintae Williams

Also of note:

Constable Tyler Kendall is the grandson of a long serving member of the Bermuda Police Service, retired Chief Inspector Roger Kendall.

Commissioner of Police Mr. Darrin Simons, on behalf of the men and women of the Bermuda Police Service, congratulated and welcomed the 12 new officers into the Bermuda Police Service family.

Dignitaries in attendance included: Her Excellency the Governor, Ms. Rena Lalgie and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP. Both spoke at Thursday’s ceremony.

Special guests in attendance included:

Deputy Opposition Leader & Shadow Minister of National Security - The Hon. Mr. Benjamin Smith JP, MP

Acting Permanent Secretary of National Security & Chief Fire Officer – Mr. Dana Lovell

Acting Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment - Major Larenzo Ratteray, ED

Honorary Colonel of The Royal Bermuda Regiment – Lt. Col. John David Gibbons O.B.E. (Mil), ED, JP

Collector of Customs - Ms. Cindy Pearman

Director of Public Prosecutions - Ms. Cindy Clarke, JP

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Corrections – Mr. Gladwin Simons

Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority - Mr. Jeffrey Elkinson

Deputy Commandant of the Bermuda Reserve Police – Mr. Shawn Russell

Mr. Michael Brangman – Centre Against Abuse

There were several awards presented during the ceremony. The awards and recipients were:

Athletic Awards - The Instructors Cup is an award that is given to the fastest male and female officer over the International 10 kilometre or 6 mile Flatts road running course.

The Instructors Cup was presented to Constable Jah-Kintae Williams for the fastest time of 56 minutes and 49 seconds in the female category.

The Instructors Cup was presented to Constable Tyler Kendall for the fastest time of 49 minutes and 22 seconds in the male category.

All Round Athlete & Physical Fitness Awards

Constable Jah-Kintae Williams (female).

Constable Tyler Kendall (male).

Deputy Commissioner’s Cup – This award is for the best effort on the course and the officer who has made the most significant progress.

Awarded to Constable Jah-Kintae Williams.

Charitable Presentation – It is a tradition of each Recruit Foundation Course to raise money in aid of a charity of their choice. All members of RFC 83 decided that the Centre Against Abuse would be the recipient of their charitable donation.

A cheque for $1,613.35 was presented to Centre Against Abuse representative Mr. Michael Brangman by Constable Holly Lavigne-Smith.

Academic Award – Awarded to Constable Tyler Kendall, who achieved an overall test average of 94% over 12 exams.

Commissioner’s Shield – Awarded to Blue Syndicate, led by Training Centre staff member Constable Ronald Taylor; consisting of Constable Chante James and Constable Tyler Kendall. The award was collected by Constable Tyler Kendall.

Baton of Honour Recipient: Constable Tyler Kendall – The Baton of Honour was presented by RFC 82 Baton of Honour recipient, Constable James Adams, to RFC 83 Constable Tyler Kendall, who was selected as the most distinguished student officer by the Training Centre staff.

Jahcari Francis Murder Investigation Remains Active 7 Years Later

Fri, 2024-07-19

Today, Friday, 19th July 2024, marks seven years since the murder of Jahcari Antoni Francis. At the time of his death, Jahcari was 20-years-old.

He was fatally shot around 10:40pm Wednesday, 19th July 2017, inside an Upland Street, Devonshire home. At that time, three other persons were inside the residence with Jahcari. Those individuals were fortunate to be uninjured.

Shortly after this callous killing, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) made an appeal for any witnesses that lived in the area, who might have heard the gunshots and/or saw the shooter, who was on a motorcycle, to come forward.

Once again, as in previous years, we are renewing our appeal on the date of Jahcari’s murder.

The investigative team is still looking to speak with two persons. One of them drove by seconds before the shooting and saw a motorcycle parked at the driveway to the residence where this homicide occurred. The second person was standing at the gate of Upland Street and Middle Road, Devonshire. This is critical to certain lines of enquiry.

The investigation remains active and the BPS thanks the public for all assistance received so far.

This ongoing appeal for more assistance is to help confirm key information, so that we can bring closure to the family of Jahcari and ensure those responsible for his murder are brought to justice.

To provide any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please make contact with the Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith, on 717-0864 or jsmith2@bps.bm.

In addition, information can be provided through the BPS online community reporting portal, https://portal.police.bm/.

Alternatively, please call the independent and anonymous Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or submit confidential tips via their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.

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