Community leaders say it is time to listen to the cry of our hurting youngsters, after a fifth man was shot dead on Bermuda's streets yesterday.

Government and church leaders have spoken about the "senseless" and "unnecessary violence" that claimed the life of 24-year-old Dekimo Martin at his Sandys home at 1.07 a.m.

Mr. Martin, of Peacock Crescent, was the fifth person to die from gunfire this year, while a further 12 people have been injured. In 2009 there were four individuals killed by gunfire and another 13 injured, Police said yesterday.

The Bermuda Police Service is now shifting 85 percent of its resources to front line policing in an effort to stop the violence.

It is increasing the numbers of armed officers and creating a Gang Targeting Team. The force is also to ensure it has a 24/7 firearms response capability and Police are partnering with law enforcement agencies which have experience in dealing with the gang culture.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels said: "We recognise that there is a level of concern circulating within the community regarding the regularity of these firearms incidents (30 can be confirmed).

"We are extremely sensitive and cognisant to the feelings of the community, thus the reasons for our continuous robust approach to targeting guns, gangs and anti-social behaviour."

Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro of the Serious Crime Unit said: "The investigating team would like to speak with any area residents or anyone that was in the locality of Woodlawn Road, Butterfield Lane and Peacock Crescent

Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA) Leader, Craig Cannonier, said: "The violence will continue if we don't find a way to stem the tide. It is important for all Bermudians to come together so we can turn this tide of violence."

"We have to figure out what our solutions are, why are our people looking to resort to this kind of violence? Obviously these people are crying out for some kind of help. They are trying to send some message out there and we are obviously not getting that," he said.

After hearing news of the latest gun death, Public Safety Minister David Burch said Government was also looking for answers to the ongoing issue.

"Each death in our country is a matter of sorrow, grief and anger. I am deeply saddened by the senseless loss of life and will continue to seek solutions to this vexing problem plaguing our country.

"I will continue to support the Bermuda Police Service in their law enforcement efforts as well as partner with any agency to address this challenge," Mr. Burch added.

Pastor Stephen Jones from Beulah Tabernacle Church in Sandys said the west-end community was looking to develop strategies to "stomp out the violence" in the area.

In addition to meeting with men in the community twice a month to discuss solutions, Pastor Jones, President of the West End Ministerial Alliance, said 12 different churches in the Western Parishes were planning to unite in a Sunday service, the week before Cup Match.

Pastor Jones said: "We have to find a way besides locking up people or bringing violence with violence. Somehow we just need to reach out to our young people and show them a different way and I do believe there are some people that want to get out (of this lifestyle) but can't find a way out."

Kim Swan, leader of the United Bermuda Party, said: "We are running the risk of the gang, drug or gun culture becoming more commonplace and further threatening the lifestyle of our people to extents beyond comprehension."

He continued: "With the proliferation of murders and shootings in Bermuda we need to be mindful that we run the risk that this culture take further root in our country and become further entrenched in our community.

In the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr. Swan called for the Island's churches to join with community groups, like the Imperial Group and Rise Above Bermuda to drive a long lasting cease fire programme.

According to Pastor Yvonne Ramsay, from Breath of Life Ministries, churches on the Island have come together and responded in terms of prayer.

She believes residents also need to unite to take back the Island: "It belongs to us in terms of our heritage and it is time for us to seize the day and take some action.

"It is very evident to everyone that Bermuda needs a spiritual healing," she said, adding that the Island has gotten away from some basic fundamental things, like community child rearing.

She quoted the old African proverb that says 'it takes a village to raise a child' and suggested that young people involved in violence were looking to find significance and security, two basic human needs.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro of the Serious Crime Unit said: "The investigating team would like to speak with any area residents or anyone that was in the locality of Woodlawn Road, Butterfield Lane and Peacock Crescent that may have seen or heard anything related to this incident however irrelevant it may seem."

Anyone with information should contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299 8115 or the confidential CrimeStoppers hot line on 800 8477.