A six-week paid summer employment programme has been launched to help curb gang violence, the Minister of National Security said today.

Wayne Caines told the House of Assembly that 13 out of 15 at-risk young people who will take part had already completed their first two weeks in the scheme.

He was updating MPs on Bermuda’s gang violence reduction strategy and said that mentoring and employment changed “a young person’s perception of what is possible” while also building relationships with the business community.

Mr Caines explained that the Redemption Farm programme had also started with eight people signed up.

The House heard that melons, squash and pumpkins were planted on newly cleared and ploughed fields as part of the project to deter young people from a life of crime.

Mr Caines added that the concept of restorative justice was another new initiative from the gang violence reduction team.

He said the intention was to help repair the harm caused by crime, including the possibility that offenders and victims will meet.

The minister explained that 53 restorative justice sessions had taken place so far and they involved about 70 people.

He added: “If the success of the trial programme continues, it is likely to be fully implemented and undergirded with legislation.”

• To view the ministerial statement in full, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”