MP Wayne Furbert last night called for Bermudians not to give up hope the violence can be stopped — after his 77-year-old father was robbed at gunpoint.

Four masked men pounced on Calworth Furbert outside his Hamilton Parish home on Friday night, knocking him to the floor and demanding cash.

Mr. Furbert Sr. says one of them put a gun to his head while another, who had a machete, frisked his pockets.

They stole his BlackBerry and broke his glasses before running away towards the Railway Trail when a female neighbour came outside and shouted at them.

"I've never been so scared all my life," said the victim, who was left with cuts to his legs and a sprained hand.

His son, the Progressive Labour Party MP for Hamilton West, yesterday said people should remain positive and stick together to tackle the Island's spiralling gun violence.

"It's important that the people of Bermuda do not give up despite the turmoil that may linger in our community from time to time," the politician told this newspaper.

Calworth, the president of Bermuda Triangle Tours, was returning to his Redkiln Road home at 11.20 p.m. after taking some visitors from the airport to Tucker's Town.

"We were about 15 feet away from my house. These guys came up, four of them: one with a gun and one with a machete," he said.

"They were saying, 'I want some money, I want some money.' They pushed me to the ground so my hand sprained, and they snatched my cell phone.

"The gun was very close. He was pointing it at the side of my head as the other guy with the machete patted me down.

"I was thinking of my wife and my family. Then my neighbour came out and hollered and they ran away. I rushed down the steps and knocked on my son Shawn's door and he went looking for them.

"I feel pretty good now but I have been having flashbacks. I keep seeing the four men in their masks and hoods."

Wayne said: "He was one click away which is frightening.

"I was sad to hear that this happened once again in Bermuda, particularly in Hamilton Parish that I represent and to my father.

"But the individuals have no respect for anyone. It doesn't make a difference who you are, I understand that.

"More people are becoming immune to these incidents, but people cannot give up on their future. We have to make sure that the future is protected for the current citizens and also the unborn children of the future.

"I haven't given up. I believe in Bermuda. Diamond and gold, before it becomes of high value, has to go through the fire. We are going through our fire experience right now.

"When we come through this period I think Bermuda would be much better for it."

The former United Bermuda Party leader predicted justice would be done against the men who attacked his father, but said the community must do more to help Police catch criminals.

"They may think they are getting off but somewhere along the line I believe justice will be served for my father and many people in Bermuda," he said.

"Police are catching more people now than ever before. That gives me some form of assurance that they are working as hard as they can, but they do need help."

He added that politicians must also realise people are hurting because of the recession, saying: "Unfortunately, people turn to negative behaviour, which is not the Bermudian way."

The Furbert family said they had been inundated with good wishes from the community, including messages of support on Facebook from political rivals including UBP leader Kim Swan and former chairman Jeff Sousa.

"I didn't know I had so many friends," said Calworth.

The offenders are described as four young men dressed in dark clothes, wearing masks and hoods.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, should call the St. George's Criminal Investigation Unit on 292-2222.