The flag at Bermuda College was flying at half mast yesterday in honour of murdered student Shaundae Winston Jones who was gunned down at the weekend.

Staff at the college paid tribute to the 20-year-old and described the Warwick man as being full of promise and enthusiasm for his studies.

The college extended its sympathies to the family of Mr. Jones, who was about to complete his first year in the Division of Applied Science and Technology Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) programme.

And division chairman Kevin Bean described Mr. Jones as a "conscienstious and positive" student.

"He was a full-time student here at the college, very positive and confident about the career choice he had made," said Mr. Bean.

"He worked hard, kept-up-to-date on his assignments, and was particularly diligent.

"For the few times that he would not be able to make class, he always made sure he had informed his instructors ahead of time, and would ensure he made up the work he missed.

"I'm convinced he would have made a fine HVAC technician, based on his approach to his work. His death is very unfortunate."

The death of Mr. Jones comes just one month after the college moved to take a stand against youth violence with a community march and rally held on March 28, and a follow up panel discussion a few days later.

With that in mind, director of student success at the college Sheridan Talbot described the death as particularly painful.

"Little would we know that the next violence victim would be one of our own students," she said.

"I would only hope that this young man's dying would not have been in vain, and that somehow young people will wake up and finally realise that violence is not the way to resolve conflict."