Key figures in the fight against gangs are to hold a public forum to explain action they are taking to combat gang culture.The move was announced in the House of Assembly this morning by National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief, who said he was also working on a manual setting out clear information on gang mentality to help people in the community recognise warning signs.Here is his full statement:Mr. Speaker, momentum on all fronts in the effort to seize the initiative from any attraction luring our young people to the gang lifestyle is critical. Therefore, further to my Statement last week in this Honourable House I am pleased to advise Honourable Members of two key initiatives in support of this Government’s anti-gang strategy.Firstly, Mr. Speaker, in a public assembly on 22nd February, I will convene a broad cross section of front-line public officers, volunteers, community workers and ordinary citizens engaged in grassroots efforts to combat the challenge of the gang culture.It is important that people know just what is being done and by whom. Sharing experiences is an important first step in aligning services in the community and eliminating gaps in that service. Mr. Speaker, I expect to hear real people sharing the strategies they have employed in this effort and the team from the Ministry of National Security will carefully record best practices and note what is required to supplement their efforts.Mr. Speaker, in the week since I outlined the six point strategy in this Honourable House I have met with ministerial colleagues, the Bermuda Police Service’s Senior Command and the leadership of one of the Island’s national sports. Mr. Speaker, a common thread has emerged from these discussions: the need for action on a variety of fronts and the need to equip ordinary citizens with the knowledge required to individually and collectively play a part in reversing the destructive trend towards the gang lifestyle.Therefore, Mr. Speaker, also on 22nd February I will unveil a comprehensive, user friendly manual setting out clear information on gang mentality, their signs and symbols along with intervention strategies for families and other members of the community.Mr. Speaker, this handy reference guide will eliminate the mystery that surrounds the gang culture, detail why it is attractive to some of our young people and empower ordinary citizens with the knowledge required to reclaim their families, loved ones and communities.Mr. Speaker, Bermuda cannot afford complacency in the challenge we face, nor can we rely on others to meet the issue which defines the times in which we live. This Government’s commitment is seen in the constant attention devoted to this issue. Our aim is to restore that sense of community and to empower citizens as equal partners in this important work.