A call was made for residents and stakeholders to combine their efforts to break the cycle of violence which has affected the island.

Leroy Bean, the head of the Gang Violence Reduction Team, said for too long “we as a country have normalise this maladaptive behaviour”.

Pastor Bean said: “We can no longer live in our silos any more … we must come together with a voice, one mission, with the same common goal that is stop this epidemic called violence.”

It came as MOM Bermuda, a support group for people dealing with the aftermath of the violent deaths, hosted its annual antiviolence motorcade across the island yesterday.

More than a dozen mothers and guardians, supported by several government MPs and activists, gathered at CedarBridge Academy where the motorcade rolled-off to spread awareness of the impact of violent crime.

Before the motorcade rolled off, Dr Bean told the gathering: “These senseless murders must stop … we no longer can turn a blind eye to it.

“Bermuda, we cannot live in fear any more, and in order for us to heal our broken hearts and to mend certain wounds we must address fear head-on.

“No longer can we stand by and let the perpetrators go free.”

Dr Bean said since Bermuda is a small place, many are familiar with the elements which impact violence on the island.

He added: “Sometimes we have tendency to ignore … because I am friendly with that person or my children are friendly with their children.

“And today, I think we need to come to the realisation that those factors cannot play a major part.

“Bermuda, every life matters … every loss leaves a mark … everyone has a stake in making Bermuda safer.”

Nicole Fox, of MOM Bermuda, said many people affected by the loss of a loved who died as a result of violence, are rebuilding their lives.

An emotional Ms Fox thanked attendees for their support, adding that “they see us and they hear us”.

She said: “Every day we stand alone … navigating life by ourselves but one day every year I will not let each of these young men and daughters lives be forgotten.

“And that’s why I do it because we need to be reminded of not what has happened but what continues to happen … and today we want to drive for change.”

Ms Fox lost her 25-year-old son Ricco Furbert in 2013 to a double murder at Belvin’s Variety Store at Happy Valley Road in Pembroke.

The life of her stepson, Clark Fox, was claimed by a shooting in March 2020.

She called for “the generational curse” of violence to be broken, adding that her biggest wish is for the youth to grow up without being affected by violence.

Dave Morgan, the Deputy Governor, said he felt “very privileged” to attend the event.

Mr Morgan said: “It is incredible to see and hear some of the stories of the families who have suffered through the gang violence epidemic in this country.

“It is quite inspirational to see how they’re mobilising to increase support across the community to try and deal with the root cause of the issues.”

He said was pleased with turnout from the families and the community.

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, also supported the event.

She said: “It is extremely important … I think this organisation [MOM Bermuda] is unique in that it is mothers who have gotten together to help themselves.

“We have been engaging with the organisation … so I talk to these mothers.”

Ms Wilkerson told The Royal Gazette that she addressed the issue of violence in the Senate recently.

She said: “I really wanted to bring home the fact that we need to change laws to have better opportunities to bring convictions.

“And in doing so I asked the mother directly … could I call the names of their sons in the Senate debate.

“It was powerful for me and it was very emotional.”