In recent years, Bermuda has experienced several tragic gun incidents with loss of life, along with antisocial behaviour in the field of sports, which clearly shows a serious problem in sections of our cultural infrastructure, and unless there is a collective approach in addressing this issue, the future is uncertain.

Most would agree that finding a solution to gun violence and unacceptable behaviour in our communities will not be easy. However, efforts by police, politicians and community leaders must continue to discourage and reduce activity that has kept law-abiding citizens uneasy.

This conduct threatens our communities and bullets have no eyes.

The recent tragic shooting at Southampton Rangers Sports Club, which claimed the life of another young man who was also a member of the club, touched off strong community reaction, which usually happens after a fatal shooting.

Although a number of shootings over the years have been linked to gang activity, and the underworld of illegal drug trade, no one should rush to conclusions in the latest incident as police conduct investigations.

Several sports clubs in different parts of Bermuda have also been victims of gunplay in recent times, and that alone should be of concern that something is needed outside of dismay whenever these things happen.

It is obvious that our leaders want something done to change the direction of such negative behaviour, but without a cohesive approach to this problem, we could be moving around in circles.

This could be an appropriate time to at least give consideration to a special summit involving all sports clubs on the Island to re-examine rules and expected conduct, which should provide a collective base to build on in the attempt to create more sensitivity and positive behaviour that would not only benefit clubs but the entire community.

In other words, all of our clubs should be singing off the same sheet in helping to eradicate any type of unacceptable conduct on or off the field.

An important factor here is that we should never be in denial that Bermuda has a serious problem with some young people who believe violence is the only way to settle disputes.

It is a dire situation that should involve every Bermudian who desires to live in an atmosphere of civil order and safety. Police do outstanding work in trying to maintain civil order, but many criminal incidents have roots that run deep in the fabric of our society.

Although many reasons are given for such behaviour, a conversation on possible causes should be taking place in every home.

A club summit, which would have participation of community officials, should never be allowed to become a political bouncing ball.

Instead, the objective should be to have our political leaders working as Bermudians, not as members of this or that group, to bring about change for the Bermudian people.

We have a closely knit society and this can be a problem at times with some people who are reluctant to discuss the issue of violence and the effect on community life.

We have a problem that will not fade away because it is unpleasant to deal with.

With the promise of a tourism boost through the America’s Cup, there is much to look forward to. On the other hand, we do not want to be a house with a beautiful front lawn, but weeds all over the place in the backyard.

It is never too late to enhance efforts to raise standards throughout community life, and it is a task that involves every single concerned citizen. There are many other issues that need urgent attention, such as the plight of our seniors in a tough economic climate, a decline in traditional family values and negative attitudes by too many young people.

A summit with representatives from every club on the Island would not solve all of our behavioural problems, but it would be a start in at least trying to pinpoint causes and to seek ways to reverse a trend of violence that Bermuda could do without.