The Police had some positive news to report yesterday on the May 24 weekend murder and shootings.

A good number of arrests have been made, one person has been charged in connection with the investigation and a number of important witness statements have been gathered.

The bad news is that the chief investigator, Det. Chief Insp. Antoine Daniels, had this to add: "However, there are also a number of residents that have refused or are reluctant to assist Police with investigations into these criminal acts, although they were clearly present and are aware of the suspect's identity.

"For example, the shootings which occurred on Court Street were observed by a number of people in the area, who clearly saw the entire incident and have intimated this much to Police. But when asked to provide a witness statement they declined stating that they are not getting involved."

This stands in stark contrast to the wave of shock and outrage that swept through the community in the wake of the shootings.

The desperate appeal went out once again to stop the madness and the violence.

A great of deal of debate has taken place about the causes of violent crimes and the remedies.

But for the sake of the family of Kenwandee Robinson and the other shooting victims, none of this will do any good unless the first steps are taken.

And those steps are to help the Police to identify the people responsible for these acts and to provide the evidence that will lead to their convictions.

While witnesses might now be fearful of retribution, or may somehow feel that assisting the Police breaks some kind of unwritten code, the truth is that silence and inaction only encourages those in the community who see nothing wrong with violence and cruelty and who wish to replace the rule of law with the rule of fear – where might replaces right.

As Chamber of Commerce president Stephen Todd said this week: "Residents need to be more responsible and not turn a blind eye because to do this makes us enablers and adds fuel to the fire."

Mr. Todd is right, and the Police are right to quote him and Det. Chief Insp. Daniels is also correct when he says: "... the reality of the situation is that as a community we are all in far more danger if witnesses continue to remain silent."

It is not an exaggeration to say that Bermuda's safety and future hang in the balance now.

As a community, we can live in fear and allow criminals to rule the streets, safe in the knowledge that they will rarely be caught, and if they are, that they will not be convicted.

Or we can take a stand for justice, and ensure that no more lives will be needlessly lost through violence.

It is our choice. We can step forward and do what is right. Or we can choke off the freedom we enjoy and live in fear.