National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief has been on a fact-finding mission to Boston to learn more about Operation Ceasefire and other initiatives aimed at tackling gangs and gun violence.He was there to meet with representatives from Ceasefire, Operation Night Light, Street Safe Boston and the Hyde Square Task Force as part of Government’s plan to introduce a similar scheme in Bermuda.The Minister said the first step had already been taken to launch Ceasefire on the Island with the introduction this month of elements of Operation Night Light.That programme will see police and the Department of Court Services working more closely to track prisoners released on parole.Mr Perinchief met last week with William Stewart, the co-director and assistant chief probation officer of the Trial Court of Massachusetts, to discuss his role in Boston’s Operation Night Light and Operation Ceasefire.“Of the many tips and advice shared his ‘think outside of the box to tackle your issues’ method was one that inspired me the most,” said the Minister.He added that he’d challenged members of Bermuda’s Inter-Agency Gang Task Force to “broaden their approach as we work towards using existing practices and, in the creation of new and innovative ones, always thinking outside of the box”.Government promised a Ceasefire initiative for Bermuda in this year’s Throne Speech, as well as more structured collaboration between the various agencies trying to stamp out the gang warfare which has seen 16 men shot dead since May 2009.Mr Perinchief said the idea was to come up with a “hybrid” for the Island of several different US schemes.During his visit last week, he also met with representatives from Street Safe Boston, which does street level gang intervention, and Hyde Square Task Force, which was founded by a group of neighbours to target youth violence.The Minister said: “I am very grateful to all of the representatives from Operation Night Light, Operation Ceasefire, Street Safe Boston and the Hyde Square Task Force initiatives who took the time to meet with me and share their first hand experience.“I believe that we are on the right track but we have much more to do. I look forward to providing further updates in the coming weeks.“Perhaps the greatest lesson learned from the Boston experience is that the bedrock of sustained, successful action is community-based. Our focus on building stronger, empowered communities is supported by clear successes in other jurisdictions tackling similar challenges.”Opposition leader Craig Cannonier said the One Bermuda Alliance was “pleased the Government has finally come around to the idea of an Operation Ceasefire for Bermuda”.The Shadow National Security Minister added: “The need for a powerful intervention between gangs is imperative.“As we’ve said before, Operation Ceasefire is not a cure-all but a vital step Bermuda needs to take to stop the shootings.“Operation Ceasefire has achieved remarkable successes in some of the toughest environments in the world. Their operations help lower the temperature on the streets and that is something Bermuda needs.“In addition, the Island is well-positioned for a Ceasefire operation. Police appear to be on top of the job of identifying all gangs, gang members and their turf. This is essential information for the programme to get off the ground.”Mr Cannonier said Bermuda had a community of social workers, active clergy and community activists who could be enlisted for the “helping hand side” of the operation.“We appreciate the Minister’s visit to Boston, where the programme had its origins,” he said. “It’s essential that he get the Government up to speed, but we will really know it means business when we see Operation Ceasefire operatives coming to Bermuda to make frontline observations on the best way forward.”