Government should encourage companies to take on out-of-work young men — and help fund their wages and development, according to Hamilton West MP Wayne Furbert.

Mr. Furbert says much of the gang trouble plaguing the Island in recent months is due to people having nothing better to do because they can't get jobs.

He was speaking after young men in his constituency claimed they were being turned away by construction firms — particularly since the economic crisis began — before resorting to a life of crime.

"The real thing is how can we work in correlation with Government and employers to get these guys some real work," Mr. Furbert told The Royal Gazette.

"Real work comes from education and work. We need to find a way where employers can take these guys on and the Government can help fund some of the courses. Give them direct experience.

"Some of them say they don't want a job. But we have got to find a way to create something for those who want a job."

Problems in Hamilton West came to prominence when Perry Puckerin was shot dead in Hamilton Parish Workmen's Club on January 3. Independent MP Mr. Furbert says he is dismayed to see many young people wasting their lives and joining gangs in the parish where he grew up.

Visiting the area with The Royal Gazette, Mr. Furbert told one young gang member: "When you were born, we didn't think you would grow up and be involved in this kind of activity."

Later he added: "It saddens me when I see Hamilton Parish, what Hamilton Parish was and could still be.

"How can we get individuals our of this environment and into a new era?

"You have got a child who was kicked out of school. You can't get a scholarship, that's for sure. How can they get the training? The Government will come in right now and say they can't afford to help. But we can't afford to have them out there either because things will get worse."

Mr. Furbert has been the area's MP since 2003, as well as from 1993 to 1998, and says while today crime may be the number one issue, people have also complained about education and affordable housing.

After quitting the United Bermuda Party in late 2008, he says he is canvassing residents as he ponders his next political move.

Many have predicted he will join the Progressive Labour Party; Mr. Furbert says he will make a decision by the end of the year and doesn't anticipate staying Independent or rejoining the UBP.

"Over the years this area has switched back and forth from PLP to UBP," he said. "Hamilton Parish has demanded of their representative. Either you perform or they take you out."