Break the silence and stop the violence was the theme of a peace rally held to draw attention to increasing violence on the Island.

Nearly 100 people showed up at the House of Assembly chanting: "Let's break the silence and keep the peace."

The event was organised by Antonio Belvedere who said he was happy with those who turned out to support the cause.

"I am pleased with the turnout that we had today. It could have been more, it could have been less. I am pleased to say that I have done this."

Politicians from the Progressive Labour Party, the United Bermuda Party and the Bermuda Democratic Alliance joined in as the group marched through the grounds of the House of Assembly.

Six men carried a coffin representing all those who have died, and will die, because of gun violence. The bulk of the crowd marched behind them carrying blue balloons chosen as a symbol of peace, Mr. Belvedere explained.

The rally was spurred by last Saturday's killing of Kumi Harford. The 30-year-old was gunned down on St. Monica's Road in the early morning hours.

The incident marked the Island's 14th shooting — and the second shooting death. Participants at yesterday's rally wore shirts bearing such slogans as, 'my ammunition is peace' and 'my ammunition is love'.

"This is not political. This is not a battle. This is not a fight. This is about peace," Mr. Belvedere said. "Today is the day where we take a stand against this and proclaim that the Government do their part to decrease the instances of these shootings. We need harsher punishments for these crimes, not just a slap on the wrist for serious crimes."

He continued: "Today we are here to seek the answers from Government officials. We want to know their plan of action. It's time for the leaders to start leading and speaking out against violence instead of letting it pass by. This is our appeal to the leaders to stop the war of drugs and the war of violence. We need answers from the Government and we need them now."

Acting Premier Paula Cox assured Mr. Belvedere the Government was working with new legislation to find possible solutions.

"I think that more than legislation, what we're talking about is how do we effect a change [in] community. It requires that all of us are prepared to stand up and to speak about these actions that are taking place in our neighbourhoods and communities.

"We can march for money and drop it like it's hot, but it's a change to see people marching for principle and a change in the Country of Bermuda. This is a national interest that the people are standing up and are joining hands with all the agents of Government and the wider community."

Mr. Belvedere urged yesterday's supporters to join him next Friday between 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. for a rally at Par-la-Ville Park.