Few people are unaware of the number of horrible events in the United States in recent years, largely because guns are so plentiful that they often end up in the hands of the mentally challenged, with devastating results, and despite efforts from politicians and various activists groups, the nation is yet to impose tighter gun laws.

Making matters worse is that new legislation in Atlanta will now permit people to carry guns just about anywhere, and whether they are sealed or exposed, it will make no difference. Many opponents of the new law, in expressing strong disapproval, feel it opens the gates to an atmosphere of the wild west, where the gun ruled the day.

Obviously the new legislation will have the support of the powerful National Rifle Association, which has always believed that more guns, not less, would make America safer. Even after the brutal slaughter of children at a number of schools in that nation, not much has happened to change what is almost a worshipful attitude toward guns. Heated debates have raged on the gun issue, and the former talk show host for CNN, Piers Morgan, who openly challenged the NRA, was bitterly criticised, to the extent people tried to have the British presenter deported for his views on the nation’s gun laws.

It was Barack Obama, who stepped into the fray to assure the television host that he need not fear that happening. Morgan felt so strongly about the gun issue that he highlighted the need for change in his final broadcast.

A key issue is that a person with a mental problem can easily purchase a gun in places were background checks are not carried out, and this has happened on many occasions. In fact in a recent incident, an American serviceman, while in a state of depression, did just that, and several people died at a military facility.

With the new law allowing guns to be carried openly, one can only wonder what would happen in a crowded theatre, if some disagreement led to guns being used. Although the new law calls for restrictions when it comes to those who fall short in obtaining a license, with so many guns in the black market area, it is likely guns will still fall into the wrong hands.

Another factor of concern is that guns in the home are not always secured properly, and every year children are killed through mishandling of a firearm. The American constitution gives citizens the right to bear arms for protection, but many argue that this right is taken to the extreme, with some owning weapons that would normally be used in a war zone. Guns are a problem in many large countries, but it is interesting to note, that Japan and a few other countries including Britain and Australia, have very tight gun laws and gun crime in those jurisdictions is very low.

Here in Bermuda we have experienced too many gun incidents in recent years, whether it be gang related or otherwise. When a trigger is pulled and someone dies, the question of whether our gun laws should be tightened arises. It is always tragic when a life is lost in this manner, and it also demonstrates that with guns and people with criminal intent, no one is really safe.

The Police do outstanding work in handling many of these cases, but without full community support in trying to stamp out such activity, it will be only a matter of time before, for whatever reason, another fatal shot is fired. Every life is precious and with our small population, one life lost is one too many. Most Bermudians are law abiding citizens, who love their island home, and most find gun crime deeply disturbing.

For the sake of our children and those yet unborn, lets hope we can collectively bring an end to this type of crime before the gun becomes the order of the day. Bermuda has great promise, and despite many challenges we are currently facing, no stone should be left unturned, in aiming for the higher ground of economic stability, peace and safety for all.