Bermudian criminologist Frankco Harris will discuss gang violence in Bermuda at a free presentation being offered by BEST and Bermuda College on Thursday [Oct 29].
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce [BEST] and Bermuda College are very pleased to welcome Bermudian, Mr. Frankco Harris, to their first Eco Lunch & Learn presentation of the fall season.
“Mr. Harris is a Criminologist, Researcher and Policy Professional whose work focuses on youth justice, violence reduction, rehabilitation, mental health and criminal justice reform. He is completing a DPhil in Criminology at the University of Oxford, where his research examines the social and spatial dynamics of gang violence in Bermuda.
“The community are invited to attend this important and free lecture on Thursday, October 29th, to learn more about why gang violence in Bermuda cannot be understood as a problem of gangs alone or explained simply through models developed in larger cities. It shows how Bermuda’s small, closely connected setting shapes familiar dynamics such as inequality, reputation, retaliation and institutional mistrust—and how violence, in turn, reshapes relationships, movement, institutional engagement and everyday life.
“These island conditions do not cause violence, but they influence how it is experienced, reproduced and interrupted.”
Amy Harvey, Senior Lecturer in Earth and Environmental Science at Bermuda College, said, “In nature when populations have a high density there are intrinsic limiting factors that control population growth from within the population. These can be behavioural factors that affect death rates such as anti-social behaviour that may arise from competition due to lack of resources.
“Bermuda’s community is experiencing increased stress from lack of affordable housing, access to affordable food and an overall increased cost of living. Are these stressors adding to the uptick in anti-social behaviour on our island? In addition to social and economic stressors we are being impacted by environmental factors associated with climate change. Increased heat exposure and threats of extreme weather and are seeing increased crime rates in other jurisdictions. Is this impacting Bermuda too?
“We look forward to hearing Mr. Harris’s expert opinion on Socio-Spatial Gang Violence in Bermuda. As one of the three pillars of sustainability, society must be working effectively alongside the environment and the economy for Bermuda to be a sustainable country.”
Jennifer Flood, BEST Executive Officer, said, “I am hopeful that the recent, well documented research into Bermuda’s gang violence, undertaken by Mr. Harris, which offers fresh insights, will help us all better understand the issues. Most importantly, our hope is that it helps Government, community leaders and the community in general find appropriate and sustainable solutions.”
The spokesperson said, “The community is only too well aware of the havoc wreaked on families and Bermuda by the upsurge in violent crime. Since the late 1990’s gang activity has ebbed and flowed, but disturbingly the violence is taking on new levels.
“Various initiatives taken over the years include the following selection:
2008
“Government ‘Charting our Course: Sustaining Bermuda’ Social Services Provision. Quote “Anti-social behaviour is perceived to be increasing, while the social services provision which helps support vulnerable individuals is currently fragmented across a number of government departments and a host of charitable organisations”
2019
“The appointment of a Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator with the promise of creating and developing numerous action plans including the very laudable “Introducing programmes in primary, middle and high schools to discourage crime and antisocial behaviour.” At present there appears to be no active, comprehensive programme throughout the school system.
2022
“Gang Violence Update report in which the Minster states “… it’s a stark reality, but there are children in primary school, who, today, owing to their family, community and economic circumstances, are already being indoctrinated into this anti-social mindset.”
2026
“New Law – Justice and Community Safety Reform Bill stated, “It’s not like the Government and our community are unaware of gang behaviour and the escalating violence, yet initiatives seem to lack the very necessary permanence required for change. The present-day problem took decades to get to this level and will likely take years to remediate and solve.”
“Given all the above reports what is it that we are missing?
“Join us on Thursday the 29th to discover more about this vitally important issue that affects all of us in the community.
“Join us for our live presentation, from 1:00 to 2:00pm, at The Bermuda College, The Athene Lecture Hall H100, OR streaming live online:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheBermudaCollege
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@BermudaCollege/streams
“A lively Q&A follows the presentation. Light refreshments are served on a first come first served basis. Please bring your own beverage.”
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