A group gathered at Government House yesterday to appeal for peace as the conflict in Ukraine escalated.

Glenn Fubler, a community activist, and others presented an olivewood tree to be planted at Government House in a gesture intended to encourage peaceful resolutions.

Mr Fubler said the violence in Ukraine and elsewhere was reflected on the island and that mindsets needed to be changed.

He said: “Bermuda – like many other jurisdictions – has experienced an increased incidence of murder and other violent crimes, over several years.

“There is no doubt that this is related to socio-economic conditions but, also the influence of global culture.

“As we – members of our community – commit and act towards ‘being the change’, we may be able to leverage the transformation needed, that benefits all involved.”

Mr Fubler was joined in his call for peace by Wendell Hollis, a veteran lawyer, Martha Dismont, the founder of Family Centre, Tulani Bulford, a restorative justice campaigner, and pupils from CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute.

Mr Hollis said war threatened the entire population and highlighted that the Doomsday Clock had been moved to just 100 seconds to midnight earlier this year.

Ms Dismont added the island must dedicate itself to finding peaceful solutions and embrace restorative justice.