war- and famine-ravaged Somalia still need help.

The local charity, which has been staging a Children of War campaign to raise money for children in the former Yugoslavia and Somalia, was joined by nursery school children for the vigil, which took place on the steps of St. Paul's AME Church in Hamilton.

Representatives from the US Naval Air Station, Bermuda Police, the Bermuda Regiment and Fire Services combined forces to sound the church's bells 100 times -- symbolising the estimated death rate of 100 children per day in some Somali towns.

Members of St. Paul's youth choir, under the direction of Mrs. Marguerite Place and Mrs. Maxine Fraser, performed before Canon Thomas Nisbett delivered a prayer of hope. "It is up to us as individuals and as an Island to help those who need our help,'' he told the gathering.

He encouraged all Bermudians to give generously to the campaign if they had not already done so, saying it was time to be "our brother's keeper''.

News reports showing the extent of the misery in the East African nation has prompted Child Aid to send funds to UNICEF immediately.

"The need is so urgent we should send some money now,'' said committee member Ms Clare Hatcher. "There is no sense in having the money sit here when it is needed.'' In addition to collection boxes located in businesses around the Island, the charity group has been receiving donations through their accounts at local banks.

Group spokesman Mr. Glenn Fubler said the group will have a preliminary total for the campaign by tomorrow. He emphasised donations will continue to be accepted throughout the holiday period.