Most of Bermuda is in shock over multiple shootings that have left three dead in a matter of days, and people wondering whether the country is in a prolonged period of bloodletting between rival gangs, who have declared war on each other. Even as this is being written, new targets may be in the works, with the public almost sitting ducks as to where the next incident will explode. This at a time when the season of Christmas festivities, is supposed to be bringing people together.

Officials seem to be running out of words trying to describe or explain the senseless madness that has shaken the country to a point where people really do feel like hostages in their own homes.

It might be a time for the Government to seriously look at cancelling some social projects in the interest of placing greater focus on a situation that seems to be threatening not only tourism, but our international image as a peaceful place to live and do business.

It seems outrageous to be talking about a love fest in the middle of a hate fest. It's like planning a beach picnic as a tidal wave is approaching. This does not mean we have to cave in to criminals, but it seems more logical to concentrate on dealing with problems that could, if they continue, damage the effect of positive events.

The new Police Commissioner, Michael DeSilva, needs even more support from the community and no one will be safe until this spate of tit for tat killing has been halted and the guilty brought to justice.

It is encouraging that Government, the Governor and Police have pushed aside their differences to home in on a crucial crime spree that has older citizens wondering what has this country come to. Something extreme might have to be done to weed out the type of person who has only one objective, kill and destroy with no regard for others.

One of the major stumbling blocks in moving ahead is the deadly silence from sections of the public in providing evidence against people they know who are often friends or relatives. That is a difficult barrier to break through.

It is hard to imagine that Bermuda with its small population is beginning to display criminal levels similar to larger countries plagued with vicious gangs and powerful illegal drug lords who live and die by the sword.

There is another aspect to this horror period that needs to be examined closely. In recent decades the family structure has been steadily crumbling with good life values crumbling with it.

Some blame the economic squeeze that forces some parents to be away from their children at time when negative distractions in every form are streaming down the pipeline. It is a difficult time for parents because even those trying their best, are up against the peer pressure that leads to some children joining the wrong group in order not be left out. Sadly most children today know little about real discipline, a quality needed to make it through the challenges of life. A child who is not corrected during the early stages, will not be receptive to being corrected later.

We see it every day – parents giving in to demands to keep the peace. What they should realise is that every little give-in opens the door to further behaviour breaches later. When a mind is allowed to slip, for whatever reason, the result can be unpleasant for the entire community.

Bermuda needs clergy from all denominations to lock arms with politicians of all stripes to save the country, similar to the way that Democrats and Republicans came together in the US following the attack that brought down the World Trade Center buildings. Bermuda must not lose this battle between those who want to destroy, and those who want to build. Only then can we prevent the Bermuda we love from being something only found in history books. The decision rests with us.