An MP whose constituency has been blighted by drive-by shootings, last night called on rival gangs to settle a truce.

Michael Weeks, Government MP for Pembroke East Central, said his constituents were starting to physically show the affects of fear, such as seniors "wanting to get home before the sun goes down".

"Seeing the impact it's having on the older residents who are not feeling safe in their homes, I'm calling on the perpetrators to have a truce," he said.

"This is also a festive season. Christmas is for the old and young, so please put aside your differences."

Mr. Weeks' constituency covers not only St. Monica's Road, home of the 42nd Crew, but also part of Court Street and Parson's Road Parkside gang turf.

Yesterday morning gunfire flared once again in Court Street as three shots were fired outside the C&R Discount store.

Just 11 days earlier Kumi Harford, a 30-year-old father-of-one, was killed in St. Monica's Road.

Mr. Weeks said the recent spate of violence has brought him "a lot of heartache and soul searching".

"Walking around, I'm now seeing old folk and young people who are fearful," he said.

"It's time to look inside ourselves to see what we can do, instead of just leaving it all to Government and the Police."

Mr. Weeks last night issued the following statement to the community: "People of Bermuda, young men of Bermuda, 'Enough is truly enough'.

"Once again, we are confronted with the unfortunate reality of heinous crimes. Another life lost, within days of the Island burying another son, father, brother and comrade. Another plight of gun violence penetrates our community.

"Truly, it is time that a truce is called. The time has come that the weapons of destruction are laid down, never to be picked up again. It is time that we embrace knowledge. The knowledge that allows us to understand, that we are killing and wounding those that we should be calling our brothers.

"Our seniors are frightened and our youth are confused. What will it take young men, for us to recognise that violence only begets violence?

"What will be the final price to pay, before we end this ungodly behaviour? Will these crimes inadvertently make us, the innocent bystanders, a target as they attempt to avenge others?

"In the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, 'The chain reaction of evil hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation'. People, the annihilation is escalating and when will it stop? It must stop now.

"I call for a truce. I ask my brothers to come to the round table of understanding, and end this journey that only perpetuates more devastation and sadness.

"Think of those that come after and the example that is being set. Think of the children that are trying to make sense of the senselessness, and the fear that they feel as they walk home from school or lay their head down to rest.

"Is this the legacy that we want to leave? Is this the lifestyle that we want to promote? We must yearn to see our youth grow to an older age. We must yearn for our youth to have a father, uncle, brother, cousin, who is an active participant in their lives, as opposed to their having to make visits to Westgate or worse, the graveyard."

Mr. Weeks said he is planning an Island-wide march of 'peace and solidarity' with church leaders from the Pembroke East Central area.

"It is our hope and expectation, that all residents, regardless of their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs, will participate in a show of solidarity. Speaking from 'one voice'."

Mr. Weeks is also helping to create a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Anyone interested in joining the push for peace, should email him at: mweeksnorthrock.bm

The MP also reiterates the Bermuda Police Service's call for anyone with information on the latest shootings to contact the confidential Crimestoppers line at: 800 8477.