When the trigger is pulled, setting off a small explosion in the gun chamber, within a second not one, but many lives could drastically change when a victim falls to the ground in a lifeless form. There are countless questions as to why and how such acts of violence continue on such a small island that prides itself in being safe and peaceful.

Most Bermudians who care about a trend that seems unstoppable are becoming more than concerned about what seems a nightmare, where some are prepared to live by the sword for reasons the law-abiding community cannot comprehend. There have been so many funerals for young black males in Bermuda in recent years as a result of the gun, and, while there have been successful convictions through meticulous police work and public assistance, it baffles much of the community as to why even one life is lost in this brutal manner.

The reason that finding a solution will not be easy is because the community itself is a part of the problem. Police know there are people who, out of deep fear of being targeted, are reluctant to provide information that could help in the effort to stamp out gun crimes.

Bermuda is still a beautiful and safe place to work and live, but one gun incident is one too many and Bermudians need collectively to make a stand, to express total disapproval of such violent and lethal crimes.

It is a staggering thought, but throughout the world statistics show hundreds of people die each day from small-arms fire.

In fact, the number of guns is said to outnumber passenger vehicles by more than 250 million.

The gun issue is a concern for large and small countries, especially when gang warfare is considered, not to mention other domestic disputes that leave a trail of shattered lives, with even police as victims.

America continues to wrestle with its gun problems and crime, as the Second Amendment of their constitution regarding the right to bear arms has become an issue.

Some are calling for constitutional review, while the influential National Rifle Association continues to support gun ownership, and that includes some weapons found in the battlefield.

The issue could very well be a key factor in the presidential election, likely to be contested between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

On our home front, Bermuda needs to do more than to talk about how fatal gun incidents shake communities to the core, as we ponder the future of our children and what they could face without a reversal of this sickening trend.

No one should even hint that difficult economic times are at the centre of gun crimes.

That is an excuse that could make some feel justified in committing criminal acts to gain what they have not earned. The job issue is a problem, but it is not the problem.

Many Bermudians toiled through tougher times than what we are experiencing at present, but they were better armed — no pun intended — in their value set to deal with life’s challenges, and that made all the difference.

It was not easy, but Bermuda would not have the reputational success it enjoys today without values.

Our small population should be a fortunate plus in tackling violent criminal behaviour because just about everyone is aware that the slogan often used by unions — united we stand and divided we fall — is more than relevant in dealing with violent crime.

Chicago is one of the most violent gun cities in the United States, but it is also a place for many positive and attractive features, including the arts. However, over the Memorial Day weekend on the West Side, police were trying to cope with no fewer than 40 shootings. This, according to statistics, was higher than any other major state.

The gun culture has soiled the image of a place where even President Barack Obama has a home.

The point here is that gun violence is a problem around the world, and this prompted the Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, to issue the following statement in advance of the UN’s Small Arms Review Conference in 2006: “The death toll from small arms dwarfs that of other weapons systems — and in most years greatly exceeds the toll of the atomic bombs that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In terms of the carnage they cause, small arms, indeed, could well be described as ‘weapons of mass destruction’.”

Very powerful words for the world to ponder, but the real test will be what steps are taken to change things.

Not much has changed in the intervening ten years; in fact, it may have become worse, especially here.

It would be great if Bermuda could lead the way.

That will depend on whether the entire community is ready to say enough is enough.