Premier Paula Cox last night issued a call to arms over recent gun violence and rising unemployment — but said Cabinet Ministers will not be taking a symbolic pay cut.In her first televised speech to the nation, Ms Cox pledged to focus on combating crime and creating jobs, while offering words of support to those who are suffering.But she said she would not accept the demands of unions for all Ministers to lead by example by taking a pay cut during the recession.Bermuda Industrial Union members have angrily refused overtime cuts over the issue, with Bermuda Public Services Union planning in a march on Cabinet next Tuesday.Ms Cox argued: “It takes grit and character to resist the temptation to indulge the politics of appeasement and to say there will be no symbolic cuts in Ministers' salaries.“This, in my view, would be an empty gesture, inappropriate for a Government or for any team facing the prospect of having to do more with less and having to do it in half the time under double the pressure.”She had opened her speech referring to the gun deaths this year of David Clarke, Randy Robinson, Jahmiko Leshore and Colford Ferguson, all men in their 20s.“Like you, I am shocked and saddened that our young men are being slaughtered at the rate this year of one a month,” said the Premier.“Like you, I am outraged at this senseless violence. I can only pray that their deaths were not in vain and that in some way these tragedies and the pain and suffering they leave in their wake will help bring about a realisation that Bermuda is in urgent need of help.”She said National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief's plan for gang legislation will be considered shortly by Cabinet.A number of initiatives to stimulate job creation are soon to be announced, she said, including a programme providing summer work for unemployed people of all ages.Ms Cox said: “This may not be of any consolation to you, but I want you to know that I do understand the pain that some of you must be feeling as you struggle to find employment.“While I cannot stand in your shoes, I sense the deep hurt that many of you endured when you were made redundant.“It is often said that hard times bring out the best in us. While that may be so, losing a job is not only about losing a pay cheque, though that alone is a big enough setback. It is also about losing a sense of worth and validation.“Let me emphasise: the fact that you are unemployed does not mean that you are less worthy. We are defined not by what we do but by who we are.“Recession or not, employed or not, the people of Bermuda, the workers of Bermuda, are tremendously talented and creative.“For those who have been diligently seeking work, I would encourage you not to lose hope. If you can, I suggest that you use the time that you are not working to acquire new skills, or refine existing ones, and whatever else you do be sure to register with the Department of Labour and Training.”