An award-winning activist in non-violence has called for zero tolerance on gun crime in Bermuda.

The work of Dennis Rahiim Watson has earned praise from Democratic Presidential frontrunners, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Over the past 30 years, he has campaigned against gun crime and gang violence in the US through his motivational speaking and work in conflict resolution.

Mr. Watson is originally from Ord Road in Paget but last night said he felt "ashamed" to be Bermudian. Mr. Watson said the death of Shaki Crockwell, 25, was "a stain on Bermuda's reputation". He is now calling for politicians to defeat gun violence on the Island.

"This gun violence is non-negotiable," he said. "The Bermuda Government must have a zero tolerance for guns and for the machete. No young person in Bermuda should feel empowered to play God, judge and jury.

"We are a civilised society of laws and enjoy a global reputation for our stability and friendliness. We used to be a model country for the world and so we ought to be on the cutting edge of conflict resolution, leading a 21st century lifestyle without violence."

Mr. Watson, who now lives in New York, is chairman of the National Youth and Gang Violence Task Force and President of the National Black Youth Leadership Council in the US. He says providing jobs, mentors and self-esteem are essential in leading young men away from violence and "self-destructive" behaviour.

Now he is calling on Bermuda's Government to act. "I would like to work with the Premier and the churches, and am volunteering to organise workshops in conflict resolution in Bermuda," said Mr. Watson.

"We need to have a series of summits from Somerset to St. Georges, to sit down and bring men together. We have got to focus away from the folly of guns. No young person ought to die before their mother and father.

"My condolences go out to Mr. Crockwell's family and his two children. This is a stain on Bermuda's reputation, to think guns can resolve issues.

"A cold-blooded thug mentality is being brought into this country, but Bermuda is not New York or Jamaica. This is not a part of our peaceful culture. We need to quash this and stamp it out.

"I am asking Bermudians to call Crimestoppers and turn in whoever is responsible for this murder."

Mr. Watson has received more than 300 awards for his work and is the keynote speaker at the international Crimewatch conference, to be held at the Hamilton Princess in November.

His most recent award - the 2007 Distinguished Youth Leadership Award from the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, earned him high praise from both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Senator Clinton said in a letter: "This honor recognises your tireless efforts to encourage and inspire young black people to be responsible citizens by promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts".

Senator Obama wrote: "For over three decades you have been a strong voice for good in our communities and I wish you continued success in your work with the next generation of African Americans."