The Government has called for a united push against gun violence in the wake of three firearms crimes in a week.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, appealed for “collective effort” after a visit to the Middle Town neighbourhood in Pembroke last Saturday.

Last Thursday, four people were injured in a shooting incident at Middle Town Lane. The incident occurred days after gunshots were discharged in the Parson’s Road area near the junction with Rambling Lane, with shots fired in Paget the next day.

Mr Weeks said: “Rightly, the residents in this area are fearful and concerned. This brazen daylight shooting should cause us all to pause.

“During our visit on Saturday, we listened intently, with care and compassion, to the neighbourhood’s concerns. I assured them that this Government is resolute in our determination to confront and overcome the pervasiveness of gun violence.”

However, he said “we cannot do it alone”.

“It is a collective effort – Police, community stakeholders and, of course, members of the public. We cannot allow fear or silence to prevail.”

Mr Weeks said it was “imperative that we unite as a community to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our residents”.

David Burt highlighted the Government’s commitment to confronting the issue.

He said: “Gun violence leaves more than just the physical wounds. It leaves families, neighbourhoods and communities traumatised and fearful.”

The Premier added: “I fully support the work being done by Minister Weeks, his team at the Ministry of National Security, and the Gang Violence Reduction Team to address the root causes of antisocial behaviour. I also thank our emergency services for their devotion and care in responding to these incidents.

Mr Burt said support from the community was vital “for the work being done to be truly effective”.

“This collaboration is essential, as it is only by working together that we can make Bermuda safer for all.”

Mr Weeks, who was accompanied by the local MP Curtis Dickinson, said efforts were under way in the National Strategic Plan for Community Violence and Antisocial Behaviour to address the root causes of violence.

He said founding the Gang Violence Reduction Team “marked a crucial step forward in this endeavour, which focuses on reducing gang-related violence and its detrimental effects on our neighbourhoods”.

Mr Weeks said that work was continuing on an island-wide closed-circuit television system, “which, while not directly related to the antiviolence strategy, will serve as a vital tool in detecting and deterring criminal activity”.

Further details of the Government’s National Strategic Plan were said to be forthcoming.

The Premier and Mr Weeks thanked emergency personnel and the Bermuda Police Service “for their dedication in responding to a spate of critical incidents”.