Seven years after a father was fatally gunned down in front of his two children on Good Friday the impact can still be felt, community representatives say.

Kimwandae Walker, 35, was fatally shot shortly after 2pm on April 2, 2010.

Mr Walker was flying kites with his son and daughter on the field at Victor Scott Primary when he was shot seven times by two men on a motorcycle.

Approximately 100 people were there at the time.

Michael Weeks, Progressive Labour Party MP for Pembroke East Central, recalled that two groups — One Community Unified and the Boulevard Community Club — had partnered to put on a family-oriented event that day.

“I’d left to change for the football game that was to happen later that afternoon,” he said.

While at home, Mr Weeks — who was celebrating his first Good Friday as MP for the constituency — received a call informing him of the shooting.

“Immediately, my thought went to the many children and families that were beginning to congregate at the field,” he said. “My mind then quickly went to the shooting victim and his family who were present on the field.”

The school, once a “thriving arena for social events”, and community were transformed after the incident, he said.

“Since then, that community has struggled to regain the fervour and excitement that it once had [pre] murder,” Mr Weeks said.

Gina Spence, anti-violence activist, said she knew the victim, and that his children and her grandson attended school together.

“My immediate reaction was disbelief, shock, and much sadness,” she said of first learning of the shooting. The impact to the community has been lasting.

“I live just above [the school] and every time I look out my bedroom window it’s a constant reminder of the devastating act that took place seven years ago.

“Our neighbourhood will never be the same.”

According to Mr Weeks, “virtually nothing” has changed in terms of stemming the violence since that day seven years ago.

“This collectively is a community issue that must be addressed with fidelity and expertise,” he said.

A state of emergency, he said, must be declared.

“Our young black men are dying at the hands of each other. This matter potentially has the ability to destroy the fabric of our nation.”

The police investigation into the fatal shooting of Mr Walker remains open.

“Like all open cases, it is reviewed by detectives at regular intervals to determine if any new information is available or if any new lines of enquiry can be advanced,” a statement provided by the Bermuda Police Service’s Serious Crime Unit said.

“Sadly in this case there have been no significant developments and the police would like to encourage members of the public to come forward with any information they have.”

•Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 247-1739 or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477