Acting Chief Inspector Mark Clarke – Good Morning.

Somerset Cricket Club

Officers from the Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Reserve Police and Bermuda Regiment will be on duty inside and outside the Somerset Cricket Club grounds throughout the two days of play, directing traffic and conducting high visibility patrols.

The club has also contracted the services of a security company and cameras and extra CCTV coverage will be in use in and around the grounds.

Road Traffic

The public is reminded that on Thursday and Friday of Cup Match road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect in the area of Somerset Cricket Club.

The Bermuda Police Service will endeavour to keep disruption of the motoring public to a minimum; however all should be aware that there will be necessary road closures and there will likely be delays travelling into and out of Somerset.

In conjunction with the Bermuda Road Safety Council we call upon the motoring public to exercise care, caution and courtesy while driving, especially when considering the high volume of collisions that occur on holiday weekends.

Furthermore we encourage members of the public not to drive if they have consumed any quantity of alcohol; even if they think they are below the legal limit.

This approach by the public will go a long way to reduce collisions and keep our roads safe for everyone.

We would ask the public to consider your friends and family this Cup Match holiday and do your best not to spoil it for everyone by drinking and driving and becoming a road traffic collision statistic.

CADA Chairman Mr. Anthony Santucci - Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the media. Thank you to the Bermuda Police Service for inviting CADA to be a part of today’s press conference.

Our focus at CADA, encouraging responsible alcohol behavior, is to encourage the residents of Bermuda who plan to consume alcohol over the Cup Match holiday to put plans in place before they leave home so they can return home safely. We would like to ensure everyone has the information they need so they don’t drink and drive.

Recently you would have noticed signs and banners were put up around the island. These serve as a visual reminder not to drink and drive. The message is simple, ABCD – Always use a Bus, Cab or Designated Driver.

Public bus transportation will be available to and from the game in Somerset on both days of Cup Match. Or, we encourage people to program into their cell phones the phone number of a taxi company or taxi driver, so when ready, they can call for transportation. Another option is to select a designated driver who will not consume alcohol and will be responsible for driving.

The important message is, if you plan to consume alcohol have a plan in place to get home safely. These safety tips extend to those who are camping, picnicking and boating.

Over the holiday period, there is usually a lot more alcohol easily available and consumed, I remind adults that it is harmful to give, buy or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. Underage drinking is known to significantly increase the risk of a young person becoming addicted to alcohol. There is a lot of useful information and helpful tips for parents on how to talk to your children about not consuming alcohol at our website cada.bm.

In closing, I invite anyone who is at Somerset Cricket field on the second day of Cup Match to visit the CADA stall where we will be giving away free water courtesy of our sponsor, Gosling’s.

CADA’s board and staff wish everyone a safe Cup Match and we look forward to an incident free four-day holiday weekend.

Bermuda Road Safety Council Chariman Mr. Carlton Crockwell Sr. - Good day everyone:

The Bermuda Road Safety Council would like to thank our safety partners, the Bermuda Police Service, CADA and the Somerset Cricket Club for their time and efforts leading up to Cup Match.

Over this upcoming holiday season, we must adhere to the rules of the road, being mindful of our speed.  We must ensure we fasten our seatbelts, child seats and helmets securely and correctly. We must do these things not just because it may save a life - - but because it will save lives.

This Cup Match holiday, the Bermuda Road Safety Council, has highlighted these messages on the radio. Our friends at CADA have provided ads and banners along our roads to remind everyone of their alternative choices for transport, as well as the BPS will play their role over the next several days.

Bermuda – you also have a role to play in keeping our roads safe during the Cup Match holiday. Ensuring that you maintain the speed limit, fasten your seat belts/helmets/child restraints correctly, and pledging not to drink and drive will go a long way in protecting yourself and others from any unfortunate tragedies.

I would like to take this opportunity again to thank the Bermuda Police Service and CADA for their efforts – working partnerships allow real change to happen. So Bermuda, as we prepare for Cup Match – the battle between the east and the west – let us remember to slow down and enjoy the holiday – safety.