Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advise this Honourable House and the public of a series of Public Safety Awareness Seminars being sponsored by the Ministry of National Security.

These seminars are part of the Ministry’s ongoing work to promote prevention, preparedness, and practical public safety awareness across our community. They are intended to give residents useful, real-world guidance that can help them protect themselves, their families, and their homes.

Mr. Speaker, personal safety depends on awareness. It means understanding how to reduce risk, how to stay alert to what is happening around you, and how to respond calmly and wisely when faced with a threatening situation. These seminars are intended to give residents practical guidance in each of these areas.

Those who attend will learn essential strategies to secure their homes, situational awareness techniques that can be applied in everyday settings, and best practices for responding in active threat situations.

Mr. Speaker, these sessions are being delivered by Sensei Bobby Smith, a respected security expert with considerable experience in personal safety training and community engagement.

Importantly, the seminars are free of charge. They are open to adult members of the public, and no prior experience or training is required.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share that several of these seminars have already taken place, and the response from attendees has been very encouraging. This week, sessions were held at St David’s Primary School and Francis Patton Primary School, and there are more sessions to follow. The seminars have been well received, with participants finding them practical, relevant, and empowering.
The remaining seminar dates and locations are as follows:

• Monday, 23 March 2026 at 6.00 p.m. at Dalton E. Tucker Primary School
• Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 6.00 p.m. at Victor Scott Primary School
• Wednesday, 15 April 2026 at 6.00 p.m. at Northlands Primary School
• Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 6.00 p.m. at Somerset Primary School
• Monday 04th May 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at West End Primary
• Wednesday 06th May at 6:00 p.m. at St. David’s Primary

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of National Security encourages adults across the Island to take advantage of this opportunity to improve their personal safety awareness and preparedness.

Members of the public who wish to attend may register online at martialarts.bm/personalsafety, where they may also find seminar details, including times, dates, and locations of upcoming sessions.

Mr. Speaker, these seminars represent a simple but important step toward enhancing community awareness and preparedness. When individuals understand how to recognize risks, secure their homes, and remain alert to their surroundings, they contribute directly to a safer Bermuda for everyone.

Mr Speaker, the Ministry of National Security will continue to support initiatives that promote prevention, awareness, and community partnership in the interest of public safety.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.