Senators yesterday expressed their condolences to the families of Kellon Hill and Raymond Curtis.

Government and Opposition Senators spoke of the loss of the two young men, also paying tribute to the community's faith and its role in "getting through difficult times".

Mr. Hill, 18, of Southampton, died from stab wounds following a party at Elbow Beach on August 9. Mr. Curtis, 22, of Sandys, was killed on September 6 in a suspected hit and run accident in Malabar Road.

Government Senator Marc Bean yesterday described the death of Mr. Hill as "a tremendous tragedy".

"Hopefully the country is being reflective over this tragedy and will be more reflective over the issues surrounding young people in our country," he said.

Sen. Bean said letters of condolence would be sent to both Mr. Hill's and Mr. Curtis's families.

He described the death of Mr. Curtis – whose funeral was yesterday – as "an immense tragedy, not only for his family but for the Dockyard community".

"He (Mr. Curtis) was the epitome of humility. He was a good person," said Sen. Bean.

Government Senator Kim Wilson praised Mr. Hill's father Daniel's call for forgiveness to the perpetrators of the death of his son.

"To just see how his father participated in the funeral service and demonstrated true Christian beliefs of forgiveness, and asked for calm, was totally amazing to me," she said.

Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley said: "From my perspective, at the best of times the loss of a loved one is never easy but for people taken in these circumstances it takes a lot for the community to come to grips with it.

"One of the things in Bermuda is there is a strong sense of faith, and with faith you can get through difficult times."

Senate representatives also praised the organisers of the 'Bermuda National Day of Prayer' yesterday in bringing people together through faith.