A Bermudian gang expert has called for a national day of healing and a local approach to the Island's violence problem.

Dennis Watson is the chairman of the US National Youth and Gang Violence Taskforce in New York and was born and raised in Bermuda.

In November, he received a standing ovation at the CrimeStoppers International Conference at the Fairmont Southampton Princess — a place where he used to be a waiter.

He credits his success in life to at least 500 Bermudian males who ranged from bus and cab drivers to uncles and older male cousins who helped him into manhood.

Mr. Watson spoke to The Royal Gazette in the wake of the shootings over the two-day Christmas holiday that left a father-of-three dead and another two men hospitalised.

Jakai Harford, 24, was shot in the shoulder at 12.20 a.m. on Christmas Morning while in the Camp Hill area, Southampton.

Then at 9 p.m. on Boxing Day, Aquil Richardson, 30 and father of three was shot dead, and Levar Smith, 25, was shot in the legs while they were at the corner of Horseshoe Road and Spice Hill Road in Camp Hill, Southampton.

These shootings and other problems today, said Mr. Watson, are due to a lack of family structure and the Americanisation of communities.

He said: "Nobody understands a Bermudian like a Bermudian. We need to reach out to Bermudians who have experience that can help now.

"We are becoming so Americanised, but we must not lose a sense of who we are and where we are from.

"The issue that needs to be addressed is single parenthood; mothers raising sons without fathers or positive male adult role models and the inability to discipline; technologically advanced computer and text messaging youth who are crying out for adult supervision and guidance.

"What we need in Bermuda is we need a National Assembly at the National (Sports Centre) where we can get Bermudian males out and give them a good talking to."

Mr. Watson should know.

He was born on Ord Road, Paget, and was later raised in Horseshoe Road, Southampton or what is known as Camp Hill.

These areas have both been troubled by violence, the most recent spate saw three men shot — one fatally — over the two-day Christmas holiday.

However, when asked if he was worried about gangs in Bermuda, Mr. Watson laughed.

He said: "I am convinced that the thug mentality has become a global mentality, but what Bermuda has is a small criminal element. They are looking for guidance. They need a good talking to."

To this end, Mr. Watson has offered his services with his programme called 'Life Lessons: The ABC's of Success, Leadership, empowerment and achievement — The Antidote to Anti-Social Behaviour among Black Males in the 21st Century".

Mr. Watson believes if the Island would put more money into programmes for Bermudian males and less into creating a "Police state" then it should be able to "nip the problem in the bud".

He said: "We do not want a Police state. We need to stop spending money to bring in more Police and start bringing in more youth programmes and education. We have enough resources and enforcement to nip this in the bud.

"It's now time for the people to stand up and help the Government. We need to stop talking and we need to start doing the work."