Police from Florida and the UK will join the FBI in helping to train the Bermuda Police Service as gun violence continues to grow on the Island.

Acting Premier Paula Cox announced the move in the House of Assembly yesterday.

She said the Overseas Territories Security Adviser had indicated Bermuda would be receiving assistance in anti-gang training from Dade County Florida, the West Midland Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"The Public Safety Minister is committed to doing the necessary to encourage the maintenance of law and good order," she said. "We have recruited Police officers. The Bermuda Police Service has a mandate to act.

"One anticipates that given the resources of the Bermuda Police Service, and its new senior management team, coupled with community feedback and support, our Police service will move from strength to strength.

"We anticipate and hope that this will all aid in the binding up of community wounds arising from the recent spate of violence."

Her statement came on the day Kumi Harford would have celebrated his 31st birthday. Mr. Harford died after he was shot numerous times near his St. Monica's Road home last Saturday.

He is the second person shot dead and 14th person shot in Bermuda this year.

Ms Cox said she was happy the community had reacted strongly to Mr. Harford's death

"New community support action groups are forming," she said. "That is a very positive signal. It is a sign of a vibrant, dynamic community that is waking up and deciding to be more active and aggressive about standing up and delivering on those issues within their control.

"Community care groups are marching. We have seen groups march for more money.

"Now the people are marching to stand up for their community, to advocate for the preservation of their way of life and all they hold dear in Bermuda. That is admirable."