youngsters.

Sir. John's initiative comes after the recent beating of Rajee Shakir, 16, by a gang of youths at Hamilton Bus Terminal.

Following discussions with the youngster's father, Mr. Cromwell Shakir, and Sen. Jerome Dill, the Premier said that he wanted to bring the problem of youth-on-youth violence to the attention of the public.

He said: "We must awaken the community to the fact that such things are happening in Bermuda. There is no sense denying that a problem exists because it will not just go away.'' Sir John is to meet with the Education Minister, the Hon. Gerald Simons to assess the extent of the problem and how best to deal with it.

He said: "It's something we need to get on top of. It is not healthy, especially for a small community like Bermuda where there is no way to escape such intimidation.

"This goes against the very grain of our society. And we, as a society, cannot condone or tolerate such behaviour.

"I am not prepared to just lie down and let this go on. We must all share some of the responsibility.'' Regarding the issue of gangs in Bermuda, the Premier said any group of people who attack an individual for no reason is engaging in gang activity.

He said: "There is no sense in turning our backs and saying we are not like Los Angeles.'' Mr. Shakir had claimed his son was the victim of a gang who ripped his clothes, pulled his hair and burned him with cigarettes.