Witnesses need to "stand up and be counted" in the absence of a witness protection programme on the Island, Governor Sir John Vereker insisted yesterday.

Talks have been ongoing for months regarding setting up a witness initiative which could see vulnerable individuals sent abroad to prevent intimidation.

It is hoped the move will help reverse the trend of people not speaking out after serious crimes, which has been partly blamed for the failure to convict anybody for the shooting murders of Shaundae Jones in 2003 and Jason Lightbourne last year.

Friday night's murder of 25-year-old Shaki Crockwell, at the Railway Trail, Devonshire, has brought the subject back to the forefront.

Yesterday, Sir John told The Royal Gazette it would be very difficult to set up an effective witness protection system on a small island like Bermuda, although he confirmed the plan was still under consideration.

He said the immediate need was for people to have the courage to share crucial information with the authorities, or to take advantage of the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline, manned by staff in Miami.

"A witness protection programme is difficult in a small island," said Sir John.

"The witnesses we need are witnesses who are prepared to stand up and give evidence in court.

"If anybody isn't prepared to do that, it's already possible for them to call the private line (Crimestoppers) so they don't have to reveal their identity.

"We are looking at it (a witness protection programme) but frankly we want people to come forward and stand up and be counted."

In May, Attorney General Philip Perinchief said Government was looking at sending witnesses abroad before trial, with continued protection provided after they have given evidence in court.

Mr. Perinchief also pointed to witnesses' reluctance to tell tales on offenders who may be their friend.

"In a small country such as Bermuda there arises, I suppose, a culture of protectionism for the accused who very often is somebody's ace boy," he said three months ago.

It is understood a taskforce has been discussing the issue at a series of meetings since May.

Former United Bermuda Party Minister Quinton Edness yesterday added his voice to those calling for witnesses to come forward, but said a protection programme would be a big help in serious cases.

"I would urge people who may have information about this murder to come forward and either call Crimestoppers or call the Police.

"It is people's duty to help the Police and help solve this murder," said Mr. Edness.

"It affects us all in Bermuda. It is almost like a watershed. If this is not solved we could be looking at retaliatory actions taking place.

"We should have had a witness protection programme years ago.

"We need to have witness protection. The Government needs to put up some funds to protect people, even if this means being sent to another jurisdiction.

"But there are some very courageous people in Bermuda and they must be courageous to come forward with information."