Premier Ewart Brown says addressing the psychological problems of at-risk schoolchildren could be the key to solving Bermuda's troubles with gang violence.

The Premier believes the relevant individuals can be identified at school and given the right medical and professional help to set them on the right track instead of turning to a life of crime.

His own investigations have pointed to the likelihood of young people committing serious crimes having multiple suspensions and expulsions on their school records.

"That tells us we are good at directing and punishing, but not as good at fixing," Dr. Brown told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

"The origin of all this dysfunctional behaviour is inside the head or brain of the people involved."

He pointed to measures announced in the Throne Speech aimed at better assessing students' behavioural, psychological, home and disciplinary issues.

"We continue to press for stronger psychological education for young people at a very young age," he said. "We are working to support the Education Minister so he has ample resources to provide the right kind of service to every student in Bermuda."

Dr. Brown was speaking from the UK, where the Island's escalating gang warfare has been debated at the Overseas Territories Consultative Council annual conference.

He said he felt positive Bermuda had made a breakthrough following the announcement that US police officers are heading to the Island to train Police in anti-gang and anti-gun strategies. "(At the conference) we talked about how it seems that finally the message from my Government is getting through with respect to the need of outside assistance to crush the trend," he said.

The Premier said the core of the problem is the drugs industry, explaining: "It's become a source of employment for people who might otherwise be considered unemployable.

"The rules of enforcement inside that business are strengthened by gun possession."

Anti-gang legislation is poised to be tabled in the House of Assembly, although Police have questioned how effective similar laws have been in other jurisdictions.

This week's conference will be Dr. Brown's last and he bowed out by recommending the meetings are held more often.

International reports have focused on the strained relationship of several Overseas Territories with Britain.

Dr. Brown reflected: "This is an annual exercise. Because we don't talk effectively in between, the annual meeting becomes a complaints session. It's tiresome. This is my fourth or fifth, my last as well. I urge them to increase the frequency of the meeting."

Dr. Brown is today due in Copenhagen, where he will read a statement on behalf of the Overseas Territories at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Earlier this week he told the British media larger countries should work harder on environmental issues which are critical to the survival of smaller countries like Bermuda.

Yesterday, he said he is hopeful his concerns will be taken on board.

"This whole issue about money and tax havens could stand as an example of how small countries can come under the radar of larger countries," he said.

Chris Bryant, at his first conference as Overseas Territories Minister, said in a statement: "We have covered a lot of ground over the past three days.

"Our discussions have been wide-ranging, open and, at times, frank. Above all, I think they've been constructive. I hope Territory leaders would agree with that."