A year on, Police say they are no nearer bringing the killer of Jason Lightbourne to justice.

The 18-year-old was shot dead in Ord Road, Paget, on July 23, 2006, but Police believe witnesses are still holding back information which could lead to the murderer.

Despite a $50,000 reward for information and guarantee of anonymity, detectives are being hampered by the silence of the community. After the shooting, three men were arrested on suspicion of involvement but later released. There have been no arrests since.

The $50,000 reward was offered by the Bermuda Police Service and Crime Stoppers on April 18, in the hope that witnesses would break their silence. Since then, detectives have received more than 20 calls but describe most of the information as "hearsay".

Chf. Insp. Tracy Adams said on Friday: "Our inquiries into the Jason Lightbourne murder which occurred just over a year ago are still progressing very slowly, despite a substantial reward being offered.

"The information continues to trickle in slowly. We feel there are people out there with information and we are appealing to them to come forward to assist us. We believe this is a solvable crime and are asking for the public's confidence and cooperation."

Ch. Insp. Adams said: "Our inquiries lead us to believe there are others out there who can assist."

He added that forensic investigations were ongoing.

"We are still reviewing the results of some of the forensics that we've sent abroad (for tests)," he said.

"Other evidence that we've sent, we've got the results back, and so we are looking at that and what we have to examine."

He said the family of Mr. Lightbourne remains optimistic.

"The family is very encouraged,' said Ch. Insp. Adams. "They understand the difficult task we have, and they themselves have spoken to a number of people. They understand it's difficult and continue to support us in our investigations."

At Friday's press conference, Supt. Randy Liverpool added that the silence of witnesses on a small island such as Bermuda was part of a bigger problem in the region, and that a witness protection programme was one of several initiatives under discussion.

Government is also examining legislation to provide greater protection to those giving evidence. Vulnerable witnesses and victims of crime could be moved abroad before trials to prevent intimidation. Continued protection is also being considered as part of a review of the Island's criminal justice system.

"Bermuda is no exception in terms of what is happening today," said Supt. Liverpool. "In other jurisdictions they are facing the same problems with victims and witnesses not willing to cooperate. The Bermuda Police Service is looking at very different ways to alleviate these problems, but at this point I cannot reveal anything until we have done proper research.

"However, we are looking at how we can make it more effective to encourage people to give us the information we need.

"We continue to appeal to witnesses to cooperate fully with the Police for the good of the community."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-623-8477. The call centre, in Miami, guarantees anonymity.