A shared commitment to peace will overcome the barriers presented to young people in Bermuda by gang violence, the local observance of International Peace Day heard.

In a ceremony at City Hall, diverse members of the community held hands in a circle to reflect on peace, as part of an international commemoration established 36 years ago by the United Nations.

Glenn Fubler, of the community group Imagine Bermuda, likened the segregation challenged in 1959 by the Progressive Group to the “new form of segregation or apartheid” afflicting young people who were made to fear travelling to certain areas of the island.

Water Roban, the Deputy Premier, said that “peace comes from the heart — we must find our own peace so that we can share a life of peace with others”.

Voicing confidence in the “drive” of Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, Mr Roban added: “We are committed to tackling these problems, not just as a government but as a community.

“There are many people exercising great energy, and we are committed to working with them in turning down the temperature.”

The ceremony was joined by Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Leader of the Opposition, with Sylvan Richards, Deputy Leader.

Mr Richards told the gathering: “Bermuda is a very small community, and has always been very close-knit, but over the years we have drifted apart — we need to regain that connectivity.”

Progressive Group members Gerald and Izola Harvey joined to represent the West End, while the Reverend Erskine Simmons represented the East, Mr Fubler said.

Schoolchildren joined in, along with various community activists, including Gina Spence, who said: “I am encouraged, as someone in the front lines, when others lift up the theme of peace. It helps standing in the room with people who are all on the same page, especially with what is going on around the world. We are a very blessed community.”

The gathering came to City Hall to support the Bermuda National Gallery’s free exhibition of Picasso’s painting Peace Dove over the next few days.

A minute’s silence was held at noon in the foyer.