Peace marches and candlelit vigils aren't a waste of time, claims an activist who has helped organise several in areas affected by gun and gang violence.

And Antonio Belvedere called it "absurd and arrogant" that Government MP Ashfield DeVent would make comments to the contrary.

"We can all work together to help the community heal and move forward," he said.

"There are schools, churches, and homes in affected areas and many have a process and a method in how they would like to move forward. To some it is a march, to others it is a prayer vigil, to others, it is community action, and to others it is to contact the Police. The fact is we all have to do something.

"To assume that someone who decides to show their displeasure at the madness that is happening in their community by marching is somehow irrelevant and out of touch with reality is absurd and arrogant."

Earlier this week Mr. DeVent told the House of Assembly that Bermudians marching through his back of town constituency were doing nothing to prevent the gun violence in the area. He was speaking after 26-year-old James (Junior) Lawes was gunned down Friday night in an alley near Place's Place on Dundonald Street.

Mr. Lawes' murder was part of a triple shooting Maurice Martin, 26, and Robin Stovell, 49, are now recovering from being shot. The shooting is the 38th gun-related incident this year.

Mr. DeVent said the best way forward is to make sure the criminals are caught.

"It's no sense marching," he told the House. "I personally don't want to see any more people marching through my area because it does absolutely nothing. You go home and you say 'I did something'. You did absolutely nothing. It's not about marching, not about holding candlelit vigils, it's about catching those criminals. Marches? Marches are not the answer. Do something constructive."

In an e-mail to The Royal Gazette Mr. Belvedere argued that the Progressive Labour Party MP was not acknowledging that there is more than one approach to addressing the violence.

He said that communities around the world hold rallies on issues such as gang violence.

And he said Mr. DeVent's comment that people are participating in marches to see "how other people normally live", was unfair.

"Would it be easier to find a way to work with the marchers so that we can develop long-term solutions to the issue?" asked Mr. Belvedere. "I believe it is sad to assume the only thing we can do is talk to the Police. This is one step of course, but who is coming up with long-term solutions that will keep young people out of gangs?"

Yesterday, Mr. DeVent said his comments were made in direct response to another MP's calls for more marches and vigils.

"I have lived in and around the general area where some of this violence has taken place and I was voicing my personal opinion that the marches don't do much," he explained.

Mr. DeVent said that the fact that most peace marches have taken place in one area makes it appear as though the problem is isolated to that area.

"There have been murders and gun violence across the Island from one end to the other. The fact that the majority of marches have taken place in this area implies that the problem is just in this area but this is a problem that is across-the-board. Some of what I said echoed what people in my area have said to me. They wonder 'why are they only marching in our area?'

"We are talking about two different issues here. Of course I absolutely believe in volunteering and being active in your community but that doesn't address all this senseless violence. The truth is that if someone is going to pick up a gun and shoot someone, a march is not going to change their mind. They should give us a break."

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