Increased ecstasy use and easy access to alcohol are the primary reasons why there is an escalation in violent incidents among our youth, according to a Pembroke man who denied there is any type of gang activity on the Island.

"Jamel" spoke to The Royal Gazette last night amid rumours that the riot-like activities on Front Street were because of an ongoing feud between rival gangs, `Town' and `Country'.

"A lot of the young country guys are on ecstasy," he said.

The 27-year-old Pembroke man said he was not making the claim based on speculation. According to him, he has sold the mind-altering drug to people in the past.

And, Jamel said, when he partied at the Showtime (now known as Club Malabar), he was often approached by patrons under the age of 25 who wanted to buy ecstasy.

While he said he had never used the drug himself, Jamel said he was told that after a "hit", a user experiences a "serious rush".

"They tell me it's like a mix of everything," he said. "It's easy to get caught up because users are always trying to recapture that first rush."

However, according to Eudora Browne-Zuill, programme director at Bermuda Youth Counselling Services, there is no documented proof that ecstasy use in on the rise.

"In its history, the agency has only had two clients who reported using the substance," she said.

Jamel also said alcohol played a major role in the youth's behaviour today.

"These days people are quick to snap and when some guys drink it makes them violent.

"Alcohol is much easier to get these days than when I was a teenager. Everybody drinks now."

While he said he was not afraid to travel to the Western part of the Island, Jamel said there were many youths who would not venture far from their respective parishes out of fear they might be beaten up.

"All of this is silly," he said. "One guy doesn't like another because he may wear a nice chain or expensive clothes, so his friends don't like that person either. Next thing you know the whole thing is out of control."

Jamel said he rarely goes to nightclubs now because of the possibility of fights breaking out.

"Nowadays, guys carrying a knife is a regular thing," he said.