“We should never stop fighting as that’s why we are free people today. We make the most progress when we have unity. One of the problems today is that labour is fighting itself. The struggle to transform society is a struggle to transform ourselves” Guest speaker Lawrence Hamm, president of the People’s Organisation for Progress at the 30th annual Labour Day banquet on September 3.“It is bewildering and disappointing to contemplate the flip-flop decision by Mr (Wayne) Perinchief and the PLP Government who have decided against introducing anti-gang legislation as promised” Kim Swan on Government’s indecisiveness on legislation that would make gang membership illegal.“We have a choice of more of the same or embrace a new way forward” Senator Craig Cannonier as he declared himself the “new broom “ to sweep the One Bermuda Alliance into Government.“There was chaos and hysteria and an absolute fear in people’s eyes. I felt shock that was beyond my comprehension” Bermudian Kristi Foggo on her experience in New York City on 9/11.“We have got to be able to offer witnesses a safer and more comfortable environment in the court setting because it’s already an extremely daunting prospect to give evidence and be cross-examined, and I don’t think we can ever underestimate how difficult that is” Assistant Commissioner of Police David Mirfield.“We cannot allow the PLP to define us, to paint us as the white party or the New BP” One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) leader Craig Cannonier, speaking to party members.“I will be a strong advocate in the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA). I will continue to have a hand. I don’t think the House is the be all and end all. Sometimes the pressure has to come from outside the legislature to influence members in the House, so you can expect me to continue to advocate and comment. We have fallen behind compared to other jurisdictions. Members know this from attending conferences overseas. It’s almost embarrassing” Veteran MP John Barritt announcing he was stepping down from the House of Assembly and his other political duties.“We heard these two guys pulled up on a bike and opened fire on him. I was so shocked. I was so sad. When I think about it, I still cry. He was my best friend. Just to lose him like that, carelessly. It hurts” Johnathon Fraser, brother of James Lawes who was murdered by gangsters earlier in the year.“It’s a good idea to help people to come together. It’s a good unity thing. It’s important at this time because Bermuda is all over the place and just having a peace day to come together will be good for the community” CedarBridge Academy student Chrisanté Bean on the school’s participation in a worldwide peace initiative, Peaceful Schools International.“Unfortunately, the political landscape in Bermuda right now is in bad need of a manicure. The Government of the day has a virtual monopoly on the passage of legislation and has suffered some serious trust issues, some of its own doing, some not so” Lawyer Charles Richardson.“I’m a very strong believer in [the idea that] the community holds the key to its own success. Hiding behind a wall of silence will not make Bermuda safer” Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro asks people to come forward with information about the fatal Good Friday 2010 shooting of Kimwandae Walker.