Government backbencher and former Policeman last night called for violent prisoners to be split up and sent abroad rather than live the high life in Bermuda prisons.

And he called for a task force comprised of Police and Probation officers to look at the gang problem.

He said the violence and hijacking of the the had shown a high degree of organisation with two gangs dressed differently fleeing the boat at different locations.

?Where these people have offended a special type of incarceration should take place,? he said.

Rather than let them mix with mates and family and get access to drugs and cell phones they should be sent abroad, perhaps for up to six months, said Mr. Perinchief.

?It is not pie in the sky solution because if we are to have an effect in breaking up their cohesiveness then (we must) bring them into unfamiliar territory.?

Drastic action is necessary to prevent a further erosion of the quality of life, he said, or international business might flee the Island because of fears over lawlessness.

He said children are afraid to go to certain schools because they would get intimidated by gang members.

?These solutions have been tried in other countries,? he said.

Rehabilitation can help return people to what they knew before but many of those involved in violence come from broken homes and have never known discipline.

?The first thing there should be is a short, sharp shock, they should not be ensconced at the senior training school and with all their friends or Westgate where the prison guard will be a relative.

?They should have no comfort zone. The welfare of our country is at stake.?