Bermudian motivational speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson is ready to come back to Bermuda and help solve the country's problems in the wake of the recent gun crisis which saw four men murdered in four weeks.

And he said New York Mayor Bloomberg and he discussed the Island's issues last week.

Last year six people were murdered on the Island, four of them were shot in what is believed to be ongoing gang related activity.

Bermuda 2009' murder rate was of 9.2 per 100,000 people — or about one murder for every 10,833 people.

In New York, where Mr. Watson currently lives, there were 466 murders during 2009.

The city has an estimated population of 8.3 million people, giving it a murder rate of about 5.6 per 100,000 people.

Mr. Watson, who was born on Ord Road and raised in Southampton before moving to Harlem, said he wants to come back to the Island and talk to the youth of Bermuda.

"I spoke with Mayor Bloomberg about the issues and he said he had spoken with the Premier about it and offered help," Mr. Watson said

"I too would like to extend my help to Bermuda. I would like to be able to come in February and stay until April. I want to visit every school and talk with the young people.

"For years we have had the big conversation about race, about how mean white people are and the bad things they have done. We know that.

"But what we need to have is a big conversation about why we are losing our young black men.

"Well, I have a PhD in mo-ology, here in the US they are called n*ggers in Bermuda we call them mos. I want to be able to talk to these young men and figure out what is going wrong."

Mr. Watson has been conducting workshops in New York prisons since 1983 and is CEO of the Center for Black Student Achievement and Chairman of the National Youth and Gang Violence Task-force.

Recently he was named as one of the top fifty best Black Speakers in America and singled out for praise by US President Barack Obama.

The President wrote: "You have been such a role model, working tirelessly in high schools and colleges, churches and prisons, and many other places where there are people who need to hear the message that they can do well for themselves and be a blessing to their neighbours at the same time.

"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 American youth."

Mr. Watson said he is already impressed with Rise Above Bermuda, CARTEL, Youth on the Move and the Emperial Group's efforts to stem the violence and feels that he would be able to offer additional support.

He said he has already offered his assistance to Premier Ewart Brown and hopes to hear from him soon.

Anyone interested in having Mr. Watson speak at their school, club or church can contact him at saving.ouryouthyahoo.com or call 212-252-2272.