Gang members from Parkside headed up to 42nd Street on the first anniversary of the murder of Kenwandee Robinson, triggering a shoot-out in the early hours of the morning.

The Royal Gazette understands that shots fired in St. Monica's Road (42nd Street) on Saturday were a clash between the rival gangs.

A Police source told this newspaper the gunfire at 12.20 a.m. was "an exchange of fire between 42nd and Parkside".

Saturday marked the first anniversary of the death of Kenwandee "Wheels" Robinson.

Mr. Robinson, 27, was killed when two men on a motorcycle barrelled down St. Monica's Road, Pembroke, at 2.45 p.m. on May 22, 2009, spraying bullets as they passed. He was pronounced dead at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital that evening.

Friend Mikey Adams, 24, was also hit in the chest in the drive-by shooting, but survived.

After the death of Mr. Robinson, gun violence intensified on the streets of Bermuda, escalating to what many have described as "a national crisis".

In the past year since his murder another seven fatal shootings have taken place.

No one knows the hurt and pain of the violence more than Mr. Robinson's mother, Karon.

And on the anniversary of her son's death she had to relive the trauma all over again.

Ms Robinson heard the gunfire in the early hours of Saturday as she was watching television at her home in St. Monica's Road.

Neighbours say between five and six shots were fired at 12.20 a.m.

In daylight Police officers were seen retrieving shells near the corner of St. Monica's and Glebe Road.

"I heard the shots," said Ms Robinson. "It was frightening, I was shaking. My nieces came into my room and we all just huddled together.

"It was horrible to hear, especially on the eve of my son's death. I just wish they would stop the shootings. We're losing too many precious lives. No one deserves death."

Friends and family remembered Mr. Robinson at the weekend with a gathering at the family home and a visit to his graveside at St. John's Church, Pembroke.

They also left flowers, teddy bears and bottles of Guinness in tribute by a wall in 42nd Street.

Ms Robinson, 50, placed a white bear holding a red heart underneath a poster of her son.

"He gave me the teddy for Valentine's day last year. His favourite colour was red," she said.

"Things are getting a little easier now but it's still hard. I still cry a lot. But everyone prays for me and tells me if I need anything, to just let them know.

"I appreciate everyone's kindness, but I think it is time and the good Lord, which will help me the most."

Ms Robinson spoke of the effect her son's death had on her grandson, three-year-old La'Naiye Simmons.

"He's doing pretty good but I feel he misses his Dad," she said. "A few times he's asked, 'Where's my daddy?' I find it hard to answer him as I don't know what to say."

The Bermuda Police Service is appealing for witnesses to this weekend's firearms incident.

A spokesman said: "Officers attended the scene quickly and made a thorough search of the vicinity, including speaking with area residents. This area is one of several that Police regularly conduct high visibility patrols in, and will continue to do so.

"At around 6.30 a.m. Police returned to the area to continue their search, including officers from the Forensic Support Unit. Evidence found suggested that a firearm had been discharged; however no one has reported being injured.

"An investigation into this matter is underway."

l Anyone with information should contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299 8121 or the confidential CrimeStoppers hotline on 800 8477.