An anti-gang violence campaigner is hoping to act as a mediator between rival gangs who have been plaguing the Island.

Gary Robinson says gang members in St. Monica's Road, Pembroke — where he lived for many years and gunshots were reportedly fired on Thursday — are prepared to offer an olive branch to their counterparts across Bermuda.

Mr. Robinson, who lives in Jamaica but has returned home to tackle violence problems, wants to set up a meeting with Public Safety Minister David Burch, Police chiefs and representatives from rival gangs.

He told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "I have been to St. Monica's Road to find out if these boys were willing to enter dialogue with the ones who have a beef with them.

"They are prepared to hold out the olive branch and hold a dialogue with these boys. They want peace but if they keep coming to St. Monica's they will defend their community.

"I'm asking Colonel Burch if he will enter talks with me so he can iron out details of how this dialogue is going to take place.

"Right now a lot of children in St. Monica's are not out playing. They are not going yard to yard to play with their friends because any time there could be someone riding through with violence on their mind."

Mr. Robinson, who embarked on a similar initiative eight years ago, said he has many family members in the St. Monica's area.

He said: "I have a vested interest in seeing that peace is restored in the community. I'm a Bermudian and I believe that this is not the right way for young people to go."