It’s an unfortunate fact of life that two shooting incidents in about as many weeks, as well as a number of other armed incidents, have raised fears about the possibility of violence over the holiday season.This newspaper appeals to all not to allow these incidents to escalate and to ruin what should be a time of peace and fellowship.No doubt the Bermuda Police will have taken heed and will ensure there are sufficient officers on the streets to prevent any violence, but the reality is that they cannot be everywhere.And while the community police officers and crime prevention officers do attempt to reduce the potential for crime, the police will always be somewhat reactive. Their main job is to police the streets and to investigate crimes that have already been committed.In the end, it is the responsibility of all members of the community to do what they can to ensure that differences are settled amicably and that no more lives are lost.To that end, this newspaper welcomes National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief’s continued commitment to programmes like Ceasefire which can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.The neighbourhood watch groups that have sprung up throughout the community also deserve support. It is this kind of grassroots activity that will prevent crime in the long run.Similarly, the Spanish Town Entertainment group that is once again holding New Year’s Eve festivities on Front Street are worthy of mention.It is vitally important in the fight against violent crime that people not withdraw into their shells but continue to attend and support family friendly events and claim the streets as their own.The New Year’s Eve event, and the similar event being held in St George’s, does just that.In the case of the Hamilton event, this will also be the launch of the Sounds of Sanctuary programme which aims, under the leadership of Eugene Dean, Gladwin Simmons and others, to bring music and constructive activities into the neighbourhoods that have been hardest hit by gangs and violent crime.Spanish Town and Sounds of Sanctuary has taken the theme “unity in the community world vibe, fighting with peace, not for it”.Through this, the group aims to use music and art to transcend politics and race, which often divide the community and in doing so, will hopefully steer Bermuda’s young people onto constructive paths.Certainly, renouncing violence and choosing a different way can be difficult for those who have grown up with violence and have lost faith in traditional society.But it can be done and the theme of “fighting with peace” is a powerful one.In the past, this group has shown its ability to stage events without violence and it is to be hoped that this will hold true for this one as well.When community groups join forces with the police, Government and others, that is a true sign of unity. It does not mean that people will not have differences of opinion, but they an work together for the common good.Going into 2012, Bermuda faces massive challenges on many fronts. But getting the economy moving again and reducing crime are the most important. Programmes like Sounds of Sanctuary can only help.