Bermuda has seen five men gunned down since May 22, 2009 and 18 people shot.

UBP Senate leader Michael Dunkley said the Premier should be showing more leadership during the current gang crisis gripping the Island.

Sen. Dunkley claimed the Premier has remained largely silent in the wake of the recent murders, instead referring questions to Public Safety Minister David Burch or commenting on operational control of Police.

"The Premier cannot wave a magic wand and make this all better," Sen. Dunkley said, referring to the murders. "But he can show leadership. When asked about the most recent murder the Premier did not comment and pushed it on to Sen. Burch.

"There is a great deal of fear and nervousness on the Island and people are looking for leadership. Leadership can be resolving the issues or it can be showing empathy to the people of this country.

"Maybe he is not as concerned because he lives in a gated house with Police protection, but I know people in every community in Bermuda are worried.

"People listen to the Premier and it is unacceptable that he is not speaking out. I don't know the reason and I don't care. It shows a Premier who is out of touch of the thoughts and feelings of the people of Bermuda."

Last night however, Premier Ewart Brown released a statement on the violence.

Dr. Brown said: "I want to reassure all our citizens that Bermuda is still a largely safe and peaceful country. Bermuda is still as safe as always for our visitors. As dreadful as this recent spate of violence is, there is no evidence that any of the violence is aimed at visitors to the Island.

"We must all do our part to eradicate the violence. As I said in my New Year's resolution, I particularly hope that all of Bermuda's media will keep Bermuda uppermost in their minds when reporting on the violence.

"Reporting must be accurate in order for the public to be informed, but reporting also must be fair in its intent and impact. I recognise that requires a very delicate balancing act, but it is, nonetheless, a necessary one.

"In the meantime, this Government will continue to work assiduously to address this very serious issue, in partnership with everyone who is able and willing to assist."

Since last May five people have been gunned down four men have been murdered in the last month with the latest shooting on Sunday when Perry Puckerin was gunned down at the Hamilton Parish Workman's Club.

Sen. Dunkley said he was not blaming the Premier, or Government, for the recent spate of shootings but said more needed to be done in terms of leadership.

He said there were numerous ways to show support, including speaking out on upcoming legislation against anti-social behaviour, dropping the debate over who has operational control over Police, increasing the Police budget to allow more overtime, showing support for CrimeStoppers and visiting areas impacted. Working with politicians in other parties would be another way to show unity against crime, something United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan suggested earlier in the week.