A 100-square-foot banner of hope signed by hundreds Bermuda students was rolled out at City Hall yesterday.

The canvas has been making the rounds of schools for the past two weeks as part of an initiative to draw attention to the violence on the Island.

The initiative was launched by Imagine Bermuda in an effort to reconnect the strands of the Island's community.

Imagine Bermuda co-founder Glenn Fubler told the crowd: "This is a lesson to carry in our neighbourhoods, our schools, our churches and clubs, that we can work together to transform Bermuda, so that Bermuda becomes the best it can be.

"This renewing of fabric started in our schools two weeks ago at BHS, then Berkeley, Warwick Academy and the Bermuda Institute. Now it will be residing at CedarBridge for the next few days. We're going to be moving it throughout the whole of Bermuda's nine parishes, from Somerset to St. George's. People from all parishes will be invited to sign on. And sign on your commitment to use your talent and your skills in the way you know how, to make for a renewed Bermuda."

Telecommunications Minister Michael Scott called on the community to use the banner as an opportunity to partner against "gun violence and the death on our streets".

He told the audience of mainly students that the fabric stood for "bringing the capacity for dialogue about the ordinary challenges and responsibilities we have, to move from innocence to experience".

"We live in a tiny Island of contrasts, and we know that whilst you're here today representing a wonderful reflection of an enriched spirit of innovation and engagement, there are those amongst us who are very impoverished in spirit," he said.

"So we pause today to ask the question that arises out of this. Unto those whom much is given, much is required from them."

Sixteen-year-old Bermuda Institute student Kevina Davis was one of those who signed the banner.

She told The Royal Gazette: "I think it's good the community's taking steps and coming together. It's not going to solve everything, but this is the first step that can lead to other steps."

CedarBridge Academy student Lyndon Smith, 17, added: "It looks good. I actually think it's a great art piece.

"It's nice to see people coming together and sharing something good, and nothing bad. I'll sign it when it comes to CedarBridge and just show my appreciation for the positive things that are going on. We need to get away from the negative."

Jay Lynn Hines, 15, a student at the Bermuda High School for Girls said: "We were the first to sign it before it was sent off to different schools. It represented how we felt as individuals, which hopefully will show in every other school. You just put your name on it to support what it means. It brings people together."

Also in attendance were Bishop of Hamilton Robert Kurtz, activist Eva Hodgson, Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson, former Senator Norma Astwood and former teachers Clevelyn Crichlow and Sister Judith Rollo. Mr. Fubler said all were "distinguished elders" who helped inform the campaign.