God is Good गो इस गूढ़

I know that recent posting on my blog have made me public enemy number (#1) one with certain member of the Bermuda Police Service. My recent unjustified suspension is evidence of that. To date I am at a lost as to why I am suspended from official duties from the Bermuda Police Service. I must ask the question what purpose does this serve.

Let’s take a moment to examine the unjust practices that presently exist, in the Bermuda Police Service. I am not a criminal and I did not commit a crime. I cannot be accused of anything negative other than working hard to provide a professional service to the people of Bermuda, (which only impacted on my health) being the kind of man that is capable of standing on his own two feet, one who is not afraid to display his professionalism, honesty and high ethics; and for being a man in an adult institution. For these reason I was suspended. Well may be the good lord knew that I needed some rest.

But look at the practice of the Bermuda Police Service and see the prejudicial practices that is currently exist in this institution. I have not or did not commit a crime; I just took the appropriate defensive action, by posting information exposing the plans that have been put in place, not for my good but for my downfall.

I have got to be careful after the members of the Bermuda Police Service had took the time to put together a master plan (entrapment) to try and get me to violate certain forbidden principles of the Service. But God is good. My honesty sent those who are plotting my dewfall back to the drawing board.

Now we have two cases of member of the Bermuda Police Service who after they were investigated, the investigators found that there was enough evidence to prove that they may have committed an offence and they should stand trial for the violations. There was Glen Kellman who was arrested and charged for Grievous Bodily Harm, although Kellman was acting in self defense. However he was charged and prosecuted yet he was never suspended.

There was also Dennis Archer, who was also investigated, charged, prosecuted and found guilty for inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm on a female. Yet Mr. Archer was never suspended. He was made to work up until the day he was pronounce guilty by the magistrate. That is a perfect example of justice for you.

Under twenty four hours Surveillance

Now it lead me to wonder if the Bermuda Police Service have their priorities in order. Of all of the crimes, that are being committed, and all of the crimes that are unsolved, the amount of drugs on the streets, why are they dedicating this amount of human and other resources to have me Allan H. F Palmer under twenty four hours surveillance. This attention makes me feel as almost important as the Primer the Hon. Dr. Browne. Not that I do not deserve it. Listen people I not a threat to the national Security of Bermuda, I do not have any plans to kill anyone, and I am a clean honest God fearing man. Instead of wasting all of the human and other resources on me by redeploying officers to followed me and watch my every move, put it to the protection of the community.

Here are the activities I am engaged in when I leave my home।

1. I am either going to Church
2. the supermarket
3. to spend time with one of my two little brothers (from the Big brother Big sister program)
4. Going to visit my elderly widowed friend Mrs। Stowe, who very often needs my help to go to the doctor, take her to the Supermarket or doing something around her house.
5. Visiting my senior citizen friends Hilton and Mrs। Davis
6. Visiting my friend Mr। and Mrs. Shillingford (Ex police officer)
7. Visiting Dr। and Mr. Bascombe-Adams.
8. or If I have a lawful appointment

Now that you have a list of place I visit you can now rededicate your time and resources tothe protection of the people of Bermuda, it is not that I may not need protecting also. Every one that lives, resides, or visits this wonderful island and its beautiful people need the protection of the Bermuda Police Service. Could it be that this is just another big plan to entrap me again? Although I must say it have been fun playing cat and mouse with the boys. They are so easy get away from. I had a lot of fun. Thanks for keeping me entertained.

Allan Palmer

Words of hate; response of confidence

Words of hate; response of confidence

by

Allan Palmer

Who do you think you are! A voice loaded with contempt and disgust rang out with anger; words which was said with the intention to cause humiliation, shame and harm to the intended recipients.

Who do you think you are? The voice spoke once again; this time a lethal dose of hate was injected; words to embarrass, belittle and to destroy healthy self-esteem. These words were an example of words of destruction. Not merely the words, but more so the manner in which they were spoken.

In an effort to defend my pride, my esteem, manhood; but most of all, my ability to live with my self; I answered and said, “I am a strong man who have not sold my manhood. I am more than what you see; there is much more to me than my simplicity.

I am honest; I am strong, and I will stand against the odds; even alone. My ego is small, my humility is large and my love grows daily, even for you.

I am every thing you despised, for I can be anything I want to be. My ability to be; is only limited by my imagination, and my imagination has a scope; which is beyond your concepts, plans, intentions, will, and wishes for me. My will is stronger than your effort and ability to hamper my progress. Who do I think I am? Is that the question you asked?

I will endeavor to tell you who I am not. I am not a man whose life is Govern by fear, I am not one that will be shook and tossed by external imposition, I am not the person who will wait on someone else to validate my importance and I am not an accomplishment but a work in progress a potential just waiting to be realized. I am not a blueprint of predictability; but I am the embodiment of complex simplicity.”

Let Justice Be Done

Today we are living in a world where the word Justice appear to has lost all significant. Once this word was looked upon with great pride and the seekers of Justice were loved, respected, admired, and well-regarded. Unfortunately; the worlds prospective have since changed, and the changes have altered the way in which the word justice is viewed. Today the word is looked upon with scorn and the seekers of Justice are though of and are labeled as trouble makers.

No matter how corrupt this world may be, there will always be a place for justice and a role for the seekers of Justice. It matters not how you feel about a particular issue; Justice must be allow to flow as free as a mighty rushing river. In every era and for every generation, no matter who you are and your station in life, there will be a time when you will be wronged, at that point you will not only need to see, but you will also want to get that reassurance that your wrong will be made right, and while you wait on such a time, you may get a burning desire, to stand on a mountain top and proclaim with a mighty shout “Let Justice Be Done”

No matter where on the spectrum of life we may find our self, we must always understand that the road to justice is not an easy one; the road to justice is one that is litter with snare, stumbling blocks and pitfalls. That is what makes it so special and enjoyable, when those who have trod the course and endure the pain are awarded the privilege to celebrate when justice is served.

We are now living in a world where men will fight tooth and nail “EVEN KILL”; to aid in the miscarriage of Justice. It is always good to remember that no matter how much they fight against justice and try to cause justice not to follow its natural course; we must be encouraged to know, that they who try to aid in the miscarriage of justice, only seeks delay the inevitable, because Justice will have to flow, justice will always flow, Justice can do anything else but to flow like a mighty rushing river.

In service to Humanity
Allan H. F Palmer

A true Story (lol)

My son-Malique

Take a little time out of your busy schedule; pull up a chair and read the account of this true story, this story actually happened on a beach in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This is one of the four short stories that make up a book that is soon to be published. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing and bringing it to you. Although some of you may conclude that my action was not responsible, it has already happened and there is nothing I can do about it now.

I think that larger-than-life Saga that unfolded after Sam Strangeway publish her first front page story about me in the Royal Gazette; the story that sparked the beginning of my troubles, in the Bermuda Police Service and eventually lead to my suspension will be published in this book also. The total sage will be my next big project.

The Obedient Son
By

Allan H. F Palmer

Michael was Malique’s father. To Malique his daddy meant the world to him, and Michael treated Malique as if he was the world. The father and son loved each other very much. Malique had just celebrated his sixth birthday. The duo love spending quality time with each other. Sometimes the two would disappear for hours. They often went hiking, where together they basked in and experienced the wonders and the beauty of nature. The pair love frequenting the local airport there; there they would look at the ’planes take off and land. The Botanical Garden was also on their list of favorite places to visit. At the botanical garden they would enjoy the beauty of the flowers, roll on the grass, and participate in all the activities children enjoy. There were also the beaches; Malique love the beach. At the beach the father and son pair would frolic for hours, and sometimes they just went into the nearby town where they walked around and observed the activities of the town’s people. They learnt many things and they had fun together.

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning; it seemed as if the sun shone brighter than normal. It was a perfect day to go to the beach. Sunday was always a special day for Michael and Malique; it was the day of the week that Malique looked forward to most, with curious anticipation. Sunday was also the day the enthusiastic young man got to spend all day with his father. The two always engaged in lots of fun activities. Malique was sure that his dad had some wonderful adventure planed for the day. After breakfast Malique noticed that his daddy was cleaning the car. The energetic child decided to join his father in the task of preparing the car for the day’s activities. Although Malique was of little use in the task at hand the loving father was happy just to have his son around, even when he got in the way.

“Daddy, what are we going to do today?” asked Malique as he looked at his dad with searching eyes. To the lad it mattered not what activity his father chose; what was important was that he got to be with his dad.

“We will be going to the beach,” his father replied.

Immediately a twinkle of excitement appeared in Malique’s eyes. He ran into the house and to his mother, and with a blaze of enthusiasm he shouted, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Daddy is going to take me to the beach, can you help me get ready?” His mother was only too happy to help her dear son get ready for his adventure.

With all the commotion the young boy was making you would have thought that the beach was the most wonderful place in the entire world. The beach was two miles away.

Indian Bay was a small white-sand beach; it was just about 250 meters long. There was not much room for playing, for there was a retaining wall one-meter high with a one-and-a-half meters security wire fence erected at the top of the wall. This structure was designed to keep picnickers off the private property that bordered the beach. About 20 meters from the shore there were two small islands that acted as a shelter for the beach. Immediately in front of the beach was the smaller of the two islands; this island had a few trees growing on it and there was also a humongous white cross erected in its center. Hence the name Cross Island. Cross Island rose about five meters above the level of the sea. This Island acted as a little challenge for people who had just learned how to swim; to swim to and from Cross Island was quite an accomplishment.

On the north of Cross Island were the second and the larger of the two Islands. This island was called High Rock. High Rock was about 40 meters from the shore. It was a very large, barren, and dense volcanic rock that had many ridges and cracks. High Rock stood about thirty meters above the level of the sea. To swim and climb to the top of High Rock was an experience, but the challenge was to jump and plummet into a free-fall landing into the deep blue sea that spread out like a carpet below.

Finally it was time to leave for the beach. The duo got into the car and off they went. The beach was half an hour away. Michael was as excited as his son. He anticipated having tons of fun at the beach with his son. It was Michael’s plan to start Malique’s swimming lessons when they got to the beach.

At the beach the father and son team had tons of fun; they frolicked and swam, they built sand castles or what they called sand castles, which was washed away by the wave that regularly bathe the shore and in whose part they were errected. Malique had his swimming lesson. All of the activities wore out the young child; he was tired. Malique’s daddy saw an opportunity to go for a little swim on his own.

Malique was sitting on a stone; he was exhausted but excitement still gleamed from his eyes. Michael walked up too and spoke to the tired child.

“Malique,” he said, “I am going for a swim. I want you to sit on this rock. I don’t want you to move, no matter what happens. Do you understand?”

“Yes, daddy,” the shivering child said.

Michael knew that Malique could not swim, and if he ventured into the water unsupervised he could drown. That would be a tragedy. The death of a child is one tragedy no loving parent would like to have in his or her family. Michael had to make sure that his son understood him before he ventured out for his swim.

Malique sat on the stone and watched as his father swam back and forth. Malique wanted to join his dad in the water but he was too tired to join in the fun. Michael swam to Cross Island and back, and Malique made no attempt to leave his very comfortable seat on the rock.

All appeared well. Michael decided to take a swim out to the High Rock and climb to the top of the rock. He jumped from the top of the rock into the clear blue water below. He did this several times. This activity was very exhausting. Finally Michael Malique’s dad climbed to the top of High Rock and took a seat to rest. From his position on the top of the island Michael had a clear view of his son sitting comfortably and undisturbed on the stone. Malique could also see his daddy from his seat. Malique hoped for the day when he could join his father on the top of High Rock.

While on the top of the High Rock, Michael noticed that something strange was happening on the beach. He noticed that everyone was running to and fro, but eventually everyone ran into the water. Screams could be heard coming from the beach; Michael searched the beach with worried eyes and as wondered what could be happening. The concerned father’s heart pounded with fear; he feared for the safety of his beloved son. Michael knew there was danger on the beach but he was unaware of what the danger was.

Michael looked at his son and noticed him still sitting on the rock looking in the direction of the people as they ran and screamed. Michael was tempted to jump off of the large rock, but he still did not know what the danger was. It would have taken Michael about three minutes at the least to get to his son. To Michael the swim seemed as if it would last an eternity.

Just then Michael saw a large vicious-looking rottweiler running along the beach. Now the powerful, angry and ferocious bark of the dog could be heard, and there was a man running frantically behind the dog with an unattached leash in his hand. Now, there were only two people on the shore: they were the man with the leash in his hand and Malique. Michael saw the dog ran toward the helpless little boy. As a result Michael felt a large lump in his throat, that made him feel as it he was suffocating. Micheal was not suffocating but he was petrified by the thought of what could probable happen.

The helpless father's heart pounded harder and faster than ever before. Although no harm has come to the child as yet; he blamed himself for anything that might happen to his defenseless son. He was helpless and a sense of hopelessness overtook him. If he was there, using his bare hands Malique’s dad would have ripped that vicious dog to shreds to protect his son, but there was nothing that he could do from where he was. There was nothing Malique could do, there was nowhere for the frightened child to run. If he ran into the sea he would drown, since he could not swim, and if he followed the last instruction his father had given him he would be mauled by the vicious dog. It was a hopeless situation. Malique’s dad knew that rottweiler and children were not a good combination, as this breed of dog is known to be very aggressive toward children.

Just then Malique’s dad said, “Lord Jesus, you are the only one who can protect my son. Please keep him safe.” Malique’s dad never once took his eyes off the events that were unfolding on the beach, even when he uttered the prayer for his son’s protection.

The vicious dog ran faster and faster toward the child and as he got closer to the unattended child, who was still sitting on the rock, the frightening growl of the angry dog could be heard. The people in the sea watched with horror as the ferocious dog approached the helpless child. When the fierce dog got close enough to launch an attack, he stopped, looked at the child, smelt him, then turned away and went toward the sea and continued to bark at the people in the sea.

Malique’s dad breathed a sigh of relief and dived from the top of High Rock with his Outstretched and pointing down at the sea. The anxious father hands made contact with the sea water first, then his head, shoulder then his whole body was swiftly submerged into the deep blue see. Micheal hurriedly swam to the shore, dispensing every bit of energy he had in the effort. When the anxious Father got to the shore the dog had already been put back on his leash and was removed from the beach. The thankful father ran to his son, who was still sitting on the rock as if nothing had happened.

“Are you Okay, Malique?” the nervous father was trying his best to reflect the level calm his brave and obedient son now exhibited

“Yes daddy,” the child answered, with a sense of calm in his voice that was seen on his face and that which his demeanor now reflected.

“Were you afraid of the dog?” Michael calmly asked.

“Yes daddy” Malique replied.

“Why didn’t you run like every one else?” the father asked, anxious to hear his son’s answer.

From the way Malique looked at his father, you could have tell the lad was puzzeled by the question “Daddy, you told me not to move from here no matter what happened,” the lad replied with a naïve childish innocence.

Michael held his obedient son close to his heart and squeezed him. Under his breath he said thank you Jesus. He knew that the dog had been redirected from his son by the mighty hand Jesus.

Where are the Strong men and Reputable Fathers?

By now the world should know that I am on suspension from the Bermuda Police Service, pending the outcome of an investigation which was initiated, after I posted the last article on this blog. That article was posted as a last minute ditch to abort a devious plans which was orchestrated and initiated for my demised, The powers that be wanted ensure that my character and integrity was bring into disrepute. It was also in defense of my parent’s legacy. I will explain later.

It is a crying shame that this blog which was started to motivate and inspire the people of Bermuda who (is very protective of their country and the traditions that make this island the unique place it is) love Bermuda very much; to do what is necessary to ensure that the uniqueness and tranquility of the island is maintained.

In my first article, I seek to give my readers a reason by using the examples of other communities that had chosen to turn a blind eye to the criminal activities, that was committed in their communities and they did nothing. Thus they were responsible for empowering the criminals and contributing to the steady escalation of the crime rate; into that which is now out of control.

I then choose to show the community that the statistics from the Bermuda Police Service Website when evaluated and explained, may tell a different story than that which the numbers portrayed. I wanted to show most, things when taken for granted will only get worst. The freedom, Peace and tranquility that is experienced in Bermuda today did not come without a price, and for some that price may be vigilance, to be the watch dog of the community and to ensure that justice is done.

Then, this blog came in handy to save me from the arm of those who seek to aid in my frustration and hopefully insanity. God Is Good. It will be a big surprised for most of you to learn that, on my return to work I was informed via the police email system, of a very big meeting with an inspector. I was to be accompanied to this meeting by my immediate supervisor and my watch inspector (who is not by accident far more senior to the summoning inspector.) This meeting organized to discuss a flawless case file. The main intent of the meeting was designed to intimidate.

I also discovered that my immediate supervisor and my watch inspector was immediately transferred to other departments. God Is Wonderful. these were predictions I made in my rushed articles. This caused the people to abort their plans to frustrate and intimidate. Isn't God good he reveals the work of evil.

Now that all this nonsense seems to be over and we have concluded that each police officer has a life apart from their job and are free to indulge in any hobby they so choose lets get back to the true purpose of this blog. In my next posting I will endeavor to answer the question Bermudian bloggers have been asking for the longest while. As it related to the law and police powers. I hold fast to the territory that an informed community is an easy community to deal with.

It was unfortunate that my effort was met with opposition by an individual who holds fast to the concept that there is no opinion, but his opinion. He is also of the misguided opinion that he holds the monopoly on ideas and if it is not his idea then it cannot be a good idea. There are many constables, sergeants, even inspectors with brilliant ideas that is discussed among themselves but never reach the ears of the policy makers. Why is that. A manager must implement some system where information and ideas can be made to filter up to management.

My Back Ground

My parents, were followers of the American civil rights movements and they understood the impact fear can have on an individual. They took the time to prepare and teach me not to be afraid of the truth and to seek justice. I could remember at the age of two years old, my mother sitting me down with tears in her eyes and informing me of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King the grate American Civil Rights Leader who she have always told me about even at that early age. I have a sneaking suspicion that my parents wanted my to be fearless and honest. Well if that was their goal then they succeeded.

When I was a child, one of the things I vaguely remembered and valued about my father was looking into his eyes. In his eyes I saw a courage, a sense of honesty, and love. I knew that as long as he was around, I will be safe. My father was only able to portray such honesty, and sense of courage because he was an honest, and courageous man, who was not willing to sacrifice such for money, personal advancement, or to be in their inner circle.

With the encouragement of my God fearing mother and the sense of security I felt and experienced by having a father that commanded the respect even of the people who hated him but admired his integrity. I know that it will be a moral crime for me to provide any less for my children, and I must always be in a position where I can provide for there security and there sustenance. Hence the reason I am multi-skilled.

I have been in situation, where people of influence, tried to use their influence to convince me to betray the heritage of my parents for money for the privilege to be associated with that dishonest bunch. But I have not and will not. My parents were not rich, they did not have a will and they did not leave much in this world’s possession for their children. But what they did left is worth more than all the money in the world. They left a good name, reputable characters and a strong legacy. In my home land the name Palmer is synonymous with honesty, strength, decency and integrity, and they that caries that name are respected by the members of the community. The community also ensures that our parent’s good name was upheld.

Any time I was seen where I may possible become involved in trouble, any member of the community who knew my parents had the distinct privilege of first of all, call my home and awaited further instruction from my mother or father, instruction which may involved “Cut His Tail and Send him Home” and bet your last dollar that my parents wishes would be executed as prescribed. Even the criminals in the community respected my parents so much that they to also felt some obligation to ensure the legacy of my parents lived on in their children.

I love and respects my dead parent’s heritage so much that I dear not betrays them even in their absence. Here is a story that tells of the respect and security that the strong father provides for his child even in his absence.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines we have a Christmas festival call Nine Mornings. This festival consisted of street parties, concerts, cycle riding, Roller Skating etc. the activities are organized and participated between twelve midnight and day break what ever time that is. As a child, my mother would take the family out to Nine Morning Church Service and on out way home as a family will catch a part of the regular activities. If there were no church service my rebel sister will volunteer to take me to see the activities. As a matter of fact, my interest in going to Nine Morning was developed by her.

I could always remember her asking me if I will like to go to Nine Mornings tomorrow. She will then encourage me to make my request known; and when my parents will asked who will take you, I will volunteer her as my guide and protector for that event. I must say that she did a good job at it also.

I fell so in love with Nine Mornings that one morning I wanted to go to the festival, first my mother was to tire to go, and it was not in my sister’s interest to take me. So when everyone was fast asleep, I got up, put on my clothes, open the door, and set out on my journey.

On my way to where the activities were held. I was stopped by this overly friendly gentleman, he asked me my name, and I told him, he asked me who is my father, When I told him my father’s name, he became very apprehensive. I can remember him saying go on little boy, immediately he forgot my name and sent me on my way.

Later I found out that the very nice man I met that morning was a pedophile who preyed on little boys. I also got to realized later that a few of my friends were victims of this same man. God knows what would have happened to me if my preying mother who after she discovered I was missing got down on her knees and pray for my safe return and only got up from her knees when I was safe at home and if my father was a weak man a whimper. I may have been raped, and my body may have been thrown in some ravine somewhere or I would have had to be bottling the demons that followed such psychological trauma but in stead my father’s name sends terror into that predator.

That is the type of security I am prepared to provide for my children. I know I cannot provide that if I am a weak man that falls for everything, one who cannot stand for something if I believe it’s worth standing for.

All of my action in and out of my children's presence should be an example for them. I want to be able to look my children in their eyes and give them an assurance that this is the case and they can look into my eyes and see the strength, honesty, and love that I have for them if I am a weak and fearful person. That was type of security my father provided for me, and that is the type of security I intend to provide for my children.

You can take all the money in the world, along with the fame, prestige and power, but please give me strength of character and love for my family and respect for every one I comes into contact with. This is all I asked, is that asking to much?

In service to Humanity

Allan Palmer

Not against flesh and blood but Spitirual Wickness

The foregone article has already served its purpose and will be replaced by one that is spiritually uplifting. May God cause his blessing to be with you today and always.

It is my hope that if you came here not knowing what you would find; it is my prayer that you find a blessing.

Let your light so shine

As Christians we very often forget the things we fight over has nothing to do with anything, but that of hurt pride. We forget our true calling and we fall for the temptation of the devil and become engulfed in the rage that he wants us to become engulfed in. At this point we totally forget our Christian principles; and instead of becoming instrument of peace, we choose to become vessels of hate and tools of war.

This is what the devil’s strive for. His only hope and role is to get God’s children so caught up in the things of the world and the pride of the heart that they forget their true purpose to be salt of the earth. As the bible said and if the salt loses its savor then what good is it? No good at all.

As a child of God and a follower of Christ, I must learn humility for he who humbles himself shall be exalted. As I read my bible today and I encountered Jesus he has revealed to me that the time is right, for me to let my light so shine that I must show men the savior who I confess to know. To fight in defense of ones pride is all vanity. That’s what the devil does to us, he get us caught up in the prides of life, causing us to forget that we ought to be soldiers of Christ and of the cross.

I am one who held fast to the opinion that to be a blood bought Christian was just an excuse to be weak, a coward hiding behind the passive working of Christianity. But when one studies the life of Christ he was anything but weak. When the money changers were in the temple he beat them and turned over their stuff. He confronted the big shots of his day and exposed their wicked deeds. Yet he never loses sight of his goals and his purpose on this earth.

Some of you who are reading this may conclude that I have given up, I have gone soft, and I have been worn down. I am sorry to burst your bubble that’s not I at all. I have decided that I don’t have to fight every bottle I know that I can win, and that will not make me any less a man, anymore weaker, or any less strong.

So with that in mind I ask God to use me to show other the God I have been confessing for so much years; a God whom I always misrepresent with my life. They confess me with their mouths but their hearts are far from me.

I refused to be used by the devil to rage war against those who are, God's Yet to be found children. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. don’t forfeit the blessing God has in store for you, I have been doing for so many years. But yield your will to the master and reap the rewards he has in store for you. Always remember that his strength is made perfect in our weakness.

May God richly bless you all.

Blog gain Front Page attention from the Royal Gazette

Esme Williams (Executive Director B.B.B.S Bermuda)

On Tuesday 8th January 2008, Sam Strangeways a reporter that works with the Royal Gazette of Bermuda wrote and published a story featuring the blog “Crushing Fools;” personally I did not see the news worthiness of this blog. Miss Strangeways being a skilled professional that she is; possesses the ability to write a story on any topic and make the matter take on a level of importance. Miss Strangeways showed even me, that the blog (which was created to encourage citizen and residence of Bermuda to become more community conscious and to work together with the other agencies in the community to ensure the level of tranquility that is now experience is maintained) can be news worthy enough to make the front page of the Royal Gazette.

This story brought tremendous attention to the blog “Crushing Fools”. I must say the amount of support and encouragement I received from the Bermuda community my friends and my colleagues was overwhelming. The response from my Big Brother Big Sister (B.B.B.S) fraternity especially those which were expressed by the executive director of B.B.B.S Esme’ Williams, who after hugging me expressed a sense of pride to have me as a big brother was tremendous.

All I am trying to do, is to contribute what little I can for the community that I am thankful to be a part of at this stage of my life, until it is time for me to rejoin my friends and family in my native Land of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is all about giving back to this community in a very small way.

Below is the well received story as it appeared in the Royal Gazette news paper, which featured and brought attention to the blog “Crushing Fools.”


Blogger calls for residents to 'be courageous'

By Sam Strangeways

A serving Police officer has launched an Internet blog calling on the community to "be courageous" and unite against violence and crime.

P.c. Allan Palmer, who is originally from St. Vincent and is understood to have been a policeman

in Bermuda for about four years, began posting messages on his Crushing Fools site last month — before the violence which marred the Island's Christmas celebrations.

The first entry in his online journal is titled: "It is time to take our community back."

P.c. Palmer writes that he has been told by members of the community that there are people with "sound and relevant information" on recent unsolved murders who are not coming forward.

"It was also brought to my attention that the individuals who have pertinent information that could be of evidential value and which may ensure the victims' families gain the closure they are looking for, are afraid of retaliation," he adds. "Fear is never a justified reason to cause or aid in the miscarriage of justice. Everyone that resides in this tranquil community needs to be courageous."

Father-of-three P.c. Palmer, 41, who describes himself on his website as an "independent thinker", says residents of the Island need to be put aside their fear of retaliation if they want justice to be done.

"Courage is not the absence of fear but it is the willingness to act even when you are afraid," he writes. "If we use fear to allow an offender to evade prosecution, whether it is for the offence of murder or for an offence of a less serious nature, we are only empowering the criminal."

The entry, dated December 6, 2007, concludes that Bermuda is "still a very safe community" but P.C Palmer warns: "I can see the potential for things to get out of control. It will be a shame if the citizens and residents of this tiny island are made to live in a petrified state.

"Have we adopted the 'it's not my business' mentality? For the sake of this little island, I hope not."

On December 23 — just a couple of days before the Christmas shootings which left Aquil Richardson dead and two other men injured — P.c. Palmer posted another online entry titled: "Let the stats speak to you."

In it, he argues that official Police statistics on crime leave out key categories such as assault causing actual bodily harm, willful or criminal damage and drug-related offences. He also points out rises in theft, burglary, assault causing grievous bodily harm and sexual assault between 2005 and 2006.

P.c. Palmer states that "murder has seen an unprecedented rise of 50 percent every two years. This can quickly become a frightening number. These are serious times."

There were two murders in Bermuda in 2003 and in 2004 and three in 2005 and in 2006.

P.c. Palmer did not wish to comment on the blog when contacted by The Royal Gazette. It can be found at http://crushingfools.blogspot.com.

Let the Stats Speak to you.

Crime and Violence the Bermuda Story for 2005-2006

After addressing the community’s reluctance to cooperate with the police to ensure that the environment in which they live continues to be conducive for living; without the element of fear for one’s safety, the safety of our families, friends and the protection of their properties, I think it was fitting for me to review the crime statistic according to the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) as is posted on the BPS very informative webpage (http://www.bermudapoliceservice.bm/)

Although the page shows an overall decrease in the number of actual crimes reported, (which is far different from the number of crimes committed) I could not help but to notice there were some very important categories missing from the stats sheet. The categories are as follows:
· Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm;
· Physical assault on an individual that leaves on the victim’s body any swelling, discoloration and or bruising;
· Willful/criminal damage, which is anyone without a lawful authority or reasonable excuse who damage any item no matter the value, but as long as that property had/has an owner;
· Drug related offensives such as possession, importation, etc.

These discoveries lead me to ask the question, would the exclusion of the above categories of criminal offences in anyway change the statistics and affect the general outcome of the crime rate? This is a question for you to answer.

In analyzing the statistics I will attempt to not only reveal the discoveries I made but I will also try to explain what some of the crimes constitute in a very simple form. It is also my hope that the revelations found here would only help to motivate concerned Bermudian into action and enable a greater community consciousness. This will inspire a greater level of collaboration between the community and the police in keeping this very small Island safe from the criminal that is waging war against all who live and visit this Island that is synonymous with tranquility.

The discoveries:

Reported Theft:


There was a 24% rise in report of theft when compared to 2005 and 2006. This means that there were 24% more victims who had been deprived of enjoying the pleasures of the sweat of their brow. Their hard earned monies and other personal possessions were taken from them by another whose intention was/is to permanently deprive the owner of such.




Burglaries

Crimes of intrusion also saw a leap in 2006 when compared to 2005. Our home, business premises and schools had become less safe, in that to secure these premises was not enough to ensure there safety.

The increases were as follows:
· 11% increase in unlawful home invasion.
· 19% increase in unlawful school invasion.
· 73% increase in unlawful shop invasion.
· 47% increase in unlawful office invasion.
· 20% increase in unlawful unclassified premises invasion.
What does this mean to us as citizens who are the main stake holders of this rock, residents who are only here in most cases at the pleasure of their employees, and visitors who comes to enjoy the peace and stability of this tranquil Island?


Assault causing Grievous Bodily Harm

We have seen a 34% rise in assault offences that may have resulted in possible broken bone and other injuries that may or could cause improper function of one’s limbs or organs due to nerve damage etc.

Sexual Assault:

Crimes of sexual assaults are normally crimes against females but not restricted to females. Another class of individuals who are increasingly becoming victims of such crimes are children of both genders. Bermuda has seen a 22% rise in such crimes for the period 2005-2006, and a 43% from 2004-2006.

Murder
The offence Murder has seen an unprecedented rise of 50% every two years. This can quickly become a frightening number.

These are serious times. I know most people may say we are not as bad as some other jurisdiction. But the question to ask your self is are we as good as we were before. It is extremely important to note, that the prosperity of most country, state, Island etc. is vastly dependant on the following:

Political stability
A low or a controllable crime rate
Infrastructural development
A trainable workforce

But there is nothing that can drive away investors and potential investors like an environment that have become criminally unstable. The ball is in your court. And you must play it with common sense and with intelligence.

It is time to take our community back

Recently the City of Hamilton (Bermuda) saw the staging of a public demonstration and rally which was organized by the parents of the murder victims, who are yet to see the perpetrators of their children’s murders be brought to justice. While speaking to member of the community, I discovered that most of them are confident that there are members of the community with sound and relevant information, which may lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of these senseless murders.

It was also brought to my attention, that the individuals who have pertinent information, that could be of evidential value and which may ensure the victim’s families gain the closure they are looking for, are afraid of retaliation. Daily these families are made to relive the horrific and traumatizing experiences and they will do so until justice is done.

Fear is never a justified reason to cause or aid in the miscarriage of justice. Every one that resides in this tranquil community needs to be courageous. We must not only remember, but we must also remind each other of our civic responsibilities which should be perform with a sense of pride. It is also important for everyone who resides in Bermuda to understand that courage is not the absence of fear but it is the willingness to act even when you are afraid. If we use fear to allow an offender to evade prosecution whether it is for the offence of murder or for an offence of a less serious nature, we are only empowering the criminals. We are giving them permission to up the ante and to raise the stakes.

If you think what you are experiencing now is fear, you will mess yourself if this problem is allowed to get out of control, as it has in some countries. I have been to countries and I have spoken to people, where the community has empowered the criminals in the name of fear. Today these criminal commit murders in plain view of members of the public, with no effort to conceal their identity; yet they have the assurance, that no one who witnessed the gruesome murders has the courage to aid in their arrest and/or conviction.

All in all, Bermuda is a still a very safe community, which has not been blighted with the amount and the degree of criminal activities that is synonymous with many other jurisdictions. Yet I can see the potential for things to get out of control. It will be a shame if the citizens and residents of this tiny island are made to live in a petrified state.

Now I am lead to ask the following questions. Is it fear or is it indifference that has taking over the members of the community? Could it be that the community no longer cares and we have stop being his brother’s keeper? Have we adopted the “it’s not my business” mentality? For the sake of this little island, I hope not.

In service to Humanity

Allan H. F. Palmer