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Governor, Opposition Leader, BDA speak out against latest violence

Bermuda politicians must speak as one in order to find a solution to the recent spats of gang violence.

This was according to United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan who claimed the problems could be solved with solidarity.

Mr. Swan spoke after Sunday's night killing of Perry Mosley Puckerin, 34. The Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Craig Cannonier of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance also gave their views.

Premier Ewart Brown however declined to comment and his press secretary advised this newspaper to contact Public Safety Minister David Burch who did not respond by press time. Mr. Puckerin was shot inside the Hamilton Parish Workman's Club, Crawl Club to the locals, and died instantly.

The Opposition Leader said: "In order to send a strong message I believe the political leaders of Bermuda need to speak as one. I have reached out again to the Governor and await a further reply from the Premier. In addition, I will also reach out to include independent Members and the Bermuda Democratic Alliance to see if we can show the solidarity we need at a political level to properly address this crisis in our community.

"We need to speak with one voice on the measures required to bring order to our streets and to curb the lawless behaviour which has become much too common place and in this we also need the support of both Church and community leaders."

Mr. Cannonier said: "Four shooting deaths in less than a month is devastating for Bermuda. It is a clear sign that there are elements in Bermuda that are hell bent on ripping apart the very fabric of our existence.

"It is clearly not enough to ask the community to come together to defeat the scourge of violence, since the community is clearly afraid to come forward with information. Those that need to listen to the message of peace are not hearing it.

"It is time for some tough policing and tough action by the courts, empowered by the legislature to deal with the menace in our midst. We must pass anti-gang legislation now. We must empower the police service by ensuring they are given adequate budget resources to perform their duties to the fullest possible extent now. We must give the police the technology to track repeat offenders now."

Sir Richard said: "Sunday evening's cold blooded murder by shooting was a shocking assault on the New Year, presumably by one of the drugs gangs. If the gangs are not to curb themselves then others in the Bermuda will need to exert all their influence to curb them, along with the high level activity by the Bermuda Police.

"Once again I appeal to anyone with relevant information to contact the Police on 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hot line on 800-8477."