The creation of a trade school would help reduce Bermuda's gang problem, according to members of the public.

Their responses came via e-mails and entries to The Royal Gazette's Facebook page after we asked what people thought could be done to help stop gangs and gang-related violence.

Last week gang members told The Royal Gazette that anti-social behaviour was a result of younger generations being left in the cold due to an education system that has left them qualified only for poorly paid jobs.

It prompted dozens of people to contact this newspaper about the issue.

Many said they believed a trade school would solve some of the problems, but others felt gang members were looking to point the finger and not take responsibility for their actions.

Here is what they had to say.

"There are less and less [Bermudian] air conditioning installers, window installers and various other jobs," Tim Stienhoff said. "Why is this so? Generally because young men in Bermuda don't have a trade that they can use to earn their living honestly.

"My good friend Colin Palmer has been trying to establish a new trade school recently but hasn't found any sponsors to help him financially.

"There's just nobody giving them a chance unless they appear to be good at algebra, calculus or economics. These young men and women need to have more opportunities to provide for themselves honestly and we will see a reduction in 'gangs'."

Mike Pitts agreed: "Back in his day they were taught job skills.

"Will that work for all of them, no. There will always be those who look for the easy way to make a buck!

"Fact is there will be less of them! Drugs, crime and the fast life will never be eradicated, but a big dent can be put in the [issue]."

Patra Phillips said: "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that we must have trade schools, not everyone is academically inclined!

"Surely this is one main reason why so many young men turn to 'gangs'. They get lost along the way in the academic world."

Richard Brangman, a 29-year-old Bermudian who moved to the US because he was concerned abut the lack of opportunities and violence on the Island, said: "I knew it was going to get bad, but I would have never guessed it would have gotten this bad.

"I can strongly relate with the stories about the 'so called gang members'. I used to sit off with friends from 'Key West', 42nd and M-Town.

"Sadly to say that some of the friends I used to 'sit off' with have died. But it all boils down to what is the Government doing for the youth?

"They really need to realise that the real issue is with them (Government) not the streets."

But others argued it was not the fault of the education system or Government, but the individuals, which had led to Bermuda's problems.

Carolyn Crowder Arorash said on our Facebook page: "They need to take their butts back to school and go to college, educate themselves and the bottom jobs won't be held for them or even apply to them."

A female who grew up in the 'back of town', who did not want to be named, said: "I am sick and tired of these lame excuses these so called gang members are using for why they acting like criminals.

"I am 27 years old I grew up with friends selling drugs and getting into all those fights. I chose not to get involved in these childish criminal acts.

"There is no excuse why they have to settle for a bottom job. If you choose to drop out of school it is then your fault why you are left with a bottom job.

"They say Government is not listening to them about their problems. Well, [if I was in Government and] some drug dealer or some guy was wielding a gun every two minutes I wouldn't listen to you either; you are part of the problem.

"If you want someone to listen to you then be a productive person in society, then someone will listen to you. Everything you do is a choice and you cannot blame every one for your bad choices or what people think of you because of your poor choices."