The Island is making headway on gang violence, even as the community mourns the loss of 26-year-old Rickai Swan, who was shot dead on Friday.

“Despite the shock that comes with any shooting, the evidence indicates that significant progress is being made,” said Jeff Baron, the Junior Minister for National Security, in a statement issued this afternoon.

Community engagement has been ramped up through the work of Team StreetSafe and the Inter-Agency Task Force, and in schools through the Gang Resistance Education and Training programme, senator Baron said.

Sen Baron said the Island was better positioned to manage violent crime since the One Bermuda Alliance’s election in 2012, with public safety a priority for the Bermuda Government.

“Police firearm statistics show that 63 people were shot between 2010 and 2012, and 22 between 2013 and today,” Sen Baron said.

“The work on the streets has been joined by work in the schools that is aimed at talking with children about positive choices to steer them clear of gang life. This effort, which is dedicated to the long-term health of our community, has graduated over 500 schoolchildren from the GREAT programme.

“The challenges we face require strategic patience and persistence. The work at all levels is extremely challenging. It is being done by Police, civil servants, teachers and community workers and it is powered by their dedication, their faith and their deepest concerns for the health of the community.

“Everyone involved feels the painful setback when incidents such as last Friday’s fatal shooting occur. But we press on, because there is really no alternative to keeping the lines of communication open 24/7, working with at-risk children and their families for a better life.”

Police have called for anyone with possible information to assist the investigation into Friday’s shooting to contact the Serious Crime Unit at the confidential number 247-1739, or alternatively to call the confidential and anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 800-8477.