Bermuda: Gang Violence Grows

No Comments | August 1st, 2006 | Trackback

Gang violence is increasing in Bermuda and has officials concerned about both safety for citizens and the island’s reputation as a tourist draw. Five shootings have occurred this year in what appear to be turf battles in the illegal drug trade, and the first death occurred recently in a drive-by shooting. One local gang leader has claimed affiliation with the U.S. street gangs Crips and Bloods and has authorities worried that Bermuda may be heading down the same path as U.S. cities or some Caribbean islands. To date the violence has not affected tourists, but Hamilton’s backstreets have been the scene of assaults after bars close. Officials have taken a tough approach, adding a cabinet minister for drug control, hiring a British specialist as assistant commissioner, and pledging to add more police to the force. Despite the increasing violence, the crime rate here is still low compared to many U.S. cities.