A public forum on gun violence has been called for tomorrow night after the Island’s latest troubles with firearms.

The event, at 6.30pm in the Bermuda Industrial Union’s headquarters, has been set by former government minister Dale Butler.

Former senator and radio host Cromwell Shakir will speak at the gathering, along with Jeff Baron, the Junior Minister of National Security.

Author and defence lawyer Larry Scott, who has spoken often about the plight of Bermuda’s black youth, will also address the forum, which is open to all.

“I really fear that we have become desensitised or complacent, when the total future of the country is at stake — it touches all of us,” Mr Butler told The Royal Gazette.

“We had a shooting just this weekend and we lost someone a few weeks ago,” he said, referring to the non-fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man in the early hours of Saturday, and the murder on October 23 of Rickai Swan.

“This forum steps from long-term observation expressed to me, and that I have witnessed, that the country has entered a period of deafness and inactivity when it comes to the gun violence still going on.

“There was a time in the beginning when there were marches and calls for parliamentary commissions. I’m wondering whether the community has fallen asleep.”

Mr Butler said the forum would be thrown open to any suggestions, which would be subsequently shared with the Bermuda Government.

“I hope to take something in writing to the Premier to keep this issue in focus,” he said. “Both governments have tried in different ways.”

Mr Butler said that Ewart Brown, the former Premier, had sought to bring Giuliani Security and Safety, a firm owned by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, to intervene in Bermuda’s burgeoning gang violence.

“That proposal was rejected by the Governor in favour of British security instead,” Mr Butler said. “I still believe that had we gone with Giuliani, it would have made a difference.

“The One Bermuda Alliance has also tried to tackle this issue in schools. Both governments have had some successes.

“People can bring solutions of their own. The options are there if we are serious. Then at least Bermudians have had their say.”

• For more details, call 505-3409 or e-mail daledbutler@gmail.com