The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, visited three facilities in Bermuda’s west end last Wednesday to meet with staff, observe operations, and gain a first-hand look at the work being carried out across key services under the Ministry’s remit.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of National Security, Lt. Col. Edward Lamb, the Minister toured the Department of Customs cruise port screening facility at Heritage Wharf in Dockyard, the Nelson Bascome Centre for Substance Abuse Treatment, and the Somerset Police Station.
The visits provided an opportunity for the Minister to speak directly with officers and staff, learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities, and see how their work supports Bermuda’s safety, security and wellbeing.
At Heritage Wharf, the Minister met with Customs officers as they carried out screening operations at the start of Bermuda’s cruise ship season. The facility plays an important role in monitoring arriving passengers and helping to prevent contraband and other prohibited items from entering the island.
Minister Weeks said, “It was important for me to visit Heritage Wharf and see this operation up close, especially as the cruise ship season gets underway.
“Customs officers perform a vital role in protecting Bermuda’s borders, and I wanted the opportunity to hear directly from them about their work and what the job demands each day.”
He added, “There is real value in being on site, speaking with officers, and seeing these operations in person. It helps to keep the focus on the people doing the work and the responsibilities they carry on behalf of the Island.”
The Minister also visited the Nelson Bascome Centre in Sandys, where he met with staff and learned more about the facility’s current operations and the support it continues to provide to individuals receiving treatment for substance abuse.
The Minister commented, “The Nelson Bascome Centre continues to play an important role in helping individuals address substance abuse and move forward with the support they need. I was pleased to visit the facility, meet with staff, and see first-hand the work that continues to be carried out there.”
The final stop on the tour was the Somerset Police Station, where the Minister and Permanent Secretary met with officers serving the west end and observed their daily operations.
Minister Weeks stated, “Our police officers continue to carry out demanding work in communities across Bermuda, and this visit was another useful opportunity to see that work and speak directly with those serving in the west end.
“Whether it is border security, treatment services or policing, these teams carry out work that makes a positive contribution to Bermuda’s wellbeing every day.”