The call has once again been made for a witness protection programme in Bermuda.

Just like when Shaki Crockwell was shot dead four months ago, community groups are bemoaning the reluctance of witnesses to come forward to help solve gun crimes plaguing the Island. The failure to speak has largely been blamed on the fear of the consequences of telling tales.

Yesterday, Takbir Sharrieff of campaign group Bermudians Against Narcotics, said the only way to change attitudes would be to improve witness protection programmes. Without that, he said, murders would carry on going unsolved.

"Witnesses need to come forward to bring these crimes under control," he said. "And it needs to not just be for the families of victims, but for the witnesses and their families."

Shortly after his appointment in September, Director of Public Prosecutions Rory Field spoke of his determination to set up a special unit to offer reassurance and advice to those involved in the court process.

Mr. Field said this would hopefully encompass a full-scale witness protection programme.

Yesterday, Joanne McPhee, chairwoman of CrimeStoppers, said of the difficulties in solving crime without witnesses: "Absolutely that is considered one of the obstacles. Without witnesses to come forward to stand in front of the law we will not solve crimes.

Giving his thoughts on what gun and drug crime, Mr. Sharrieff added: "It's sad for the families of the young men involved in this and it's sad for the young men. We only need one gun to commit murders. I do not think it's going away.

"We do have a plan to present to the Government and one of the things I feel very strongly about is a drug agency.