Worshippers and families gathered at Victor Scott School field to reclaim it for the community and God after the horrific Good Friday murder there.

Yesterday began with a church service at the spot where Kimwandae Walker was shot dead in front of his two children during an Easter family fun day. Around 200 people gathered to join in prayers, song and praise led by Bishop Rev. Lloyd Duncan of the Greater Smith Hill New Testament Church of God. The multi-denominational service reconsecrated the site of the killing, with the Bishop proclaiming: "We reclaim this school back. We reclaim this field back to the honour and glory of God."

He was loudly supported by the congregation as he went on to say: "We speak against the spirit of murder. We speak against the spirit of violence in the name of Jesus. Bring back the camaraderie, bring back brotherhood, bring back love."

Among the congregation were politicians Wayne Furbert and Walter Roban, and members of the anti-violence community group Rise Above, Bermuda.

Youngsters were seen playing and smiling once again at the site where two gunmen rode up on a bike and shot down 35-year-old Mr. Walker in broad daylight. No one has been charged over the slaying, which was the seventh in Bermuda in the past year.

The only sign of heightened tensions in the troubled Pembroke neighbourhood where the school is located was that one uniformed Police officer kept watch over the congregation.

Following the church service, Rise Above hosted a family fun day at the same venue. A spokesman for the group said the purpose was to "give back to the youth what was taken on Good Friday" and send a clear message that "we still believe in the good in our community".

Around 300 people turned out for the event which featured a fun castle, food, Easter egg hunts, running races and face painting. Also pickup cricket games, football matches and a tug-of-war competition provided children and adults with a chance to enjoy some fun exercise. Deepdale security volunteered their time to ensure the event remained clear of trouble while the Bermuda School of Music's Steel Pan Orchestra held a rousing performance.

Dwayne Caines, one of the organisers, labelled the event a major success.

"From beginning to end this has been a phenomenal event," he said. "It has been a really fun day and every facet of Bermuda has come out to join in the festivities. It has been an amazing opportunity for the community to heal and I think it is the beginning of some really beautiful things for this area."

Mr. Caines went on to thank all of the people and businesses who donated time and supplies for the event.

"Almost everything for today was donated by businesses and the public," he said. "Dunkley's donated the refreshments and some members of the public donated things like Easter baskets and other prizes. We are truly thankful for all the help that the community has provided."

Dr. Lou Matthews of Rise Above Bermuda, who grew up in the area near Victor Scott said he was happy to see the community get together again.

"I grew up on this field and with many of the families that are here today," he said. "It is really great to see the community get together like this. This was not meant to be a big grand statement or anything like that. We just wanted to have a fun day where the community could get together and have some fun."