Bermuda’s Gombey community renewed a pledge to the island to honour their values in the wake of a fracas between troupes during a performance at the start of the year.

The words of reassurance from Irwin Trott, a drummer senior member of the Warwick Gombeys, drew applause at a celebration of the late civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr in the Hamilton Cathedral on Monday.

Mr Trott told the gathering he had been “unofficially appointed to speak on behalf of the Gombey community” at the event organised for Martin Luther King Day.

He thanked organisers for inviting the Gombey council to join speakers at the celebration of Dr King.

“Without going into too many details, I just want to reassure the general public that we have the best interests for our community, and for young people that are involved in our Gombey culture.

“We take this responsibility seriously in not only teaching these young men the art of the Gombey culture but helping to raise them to be good members of our society.”

He added: “I commend the leaders for acting swiftly and publicly making note that they will not tolerate the type of behaviour that transpired.”

Mr Trott’s remarks echoed a statement sent by the council on January 4, two days after images of a clash circulated on social media.

The statement apologised for the disruption and affirmed the collective commitment to unity by Gombey leaders and against antisocial behaviour.

Mr Trott thanked “those who showed their love and support” and “even those who were not so cordial in their comments”.

“We take these comments to heart, because it’s going to help us as leaders to do our jobs much better.

“Our goal is to maintain and uphold our Gombey culture – but also to be able to leave a proper legacy for those behind us.

“I thank those who have gone on before us and make a solemn vow that we will honour them continuously.”

Representatives of the Gombey Council issued a statement after the ceremony also thanking organisers.