The community was today being urged to band together and take back their neighbourhoods after another man was shot dead over the weekend.

Kumi Harford was shot several times while in a blue car on St. Monica's Road 5 a.m. on Saturday. It is understood that the incident was gang-related.

The 30-year-old father of one was killed six days before his birthday and was the 14th person to be shot in Bermuda this year.

His aunt Linda Smith wrote on Facebook: "Kumi did not deserve this, he was the coolest guy you would want to know, and I am not just saying that because he is my nephew. He was good baby, a good child, a good man and an excellent father to his son, may he rest in peace."

Mr. Harford has been described as a popular person in the neighbourhood and was believed to have been a good friend of Kenwandee "Wheels" Robinson, who was murdered in May in the same area.

Mr. Robinson's death led to what Police described as gang-related shootings on Court Street that sent four others to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Yesterday politicians from Bermuda's three parties said community involvement was essential if Bermuda was to stop the escalating gun activity — something echoed by readers' posts on The Royal Gazette Facebook page .

Michael Weeks is the MP for St. Monica's Road and went to the scene shortly after the incident. Yesterday he said: "What should concern all of us is the unravelling of the fabric of our society where violence is becoming the method of conflict resolution.

"Upon hearing of this incident I went to the area to be with my constituents. I saw despair etched in the faces of many. I saw parents anxious about the safety of their sons, and sons with a veneer of toughness, who were mindful of their own vulnerability.

"Once more, I remind all of us of our collective responsibility to work to bring lawbreakers to justice for we are indeed our brother's keepers. We must root out the societal cancer affecting our neighbourhoods, even if it is only for the selfish reason of personal safety. Our communities must stand together, none can turn a blind eye. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Minster of Public Safety David Burch said: "First and foremost, my thoughts go out to the victim's friends and family.

"Saturday morning I, like the rest of Bermuda, awoke to the sad and shocking news that a man had been gunned down while we slept. I have had a full report from the Police.

"However in circumstances such as this, I believe it important to renew my call for members of the public, particularly in the St. Monica's Road area, that if they heard anything or know anything about this latest incident to please come forward and assist the Police in their efforts of solving this crime.

"I am assured that the Police will work around the clock to bring the individual or individuals to justice. However they need the cooperation of the public."

Senator Michael Dunkley, Shadow Minister for Public Safety said the news had saddened him as he too called for the community to get involved.

"This early morning crime was not unexpected given the turf wars that segregate the Island for so many young people," he said. "We should expect this to continue unless we take positive action. In this particular instance, we understand Saturday's crime was the latest episode in the running fight between the 42nd Street and Parkside gangs.

"We believe the Police have adopted the right patrolling practices to cover hot spots of criminal activity, but they cannot be in all places at all times. It is therefore critical that members of the public step forward with whatever information they have to help quell the violence and illegalities that are warping so many neighbourhoods and young people.

"It is our view that anyone who is not stepping forward with relevant information on criminal activity is helping the criminals and perpetuating behaviours that are taking Bermuda to a dead end."

And he added that many outside the gangs were unable to explain the motives of the violence and called for a peace summit where gang members could meet in a neutral place to discuss the issues.

Bermuda Democratic Alliance MP Mark Pettingill said his party was committed to helping neighbourhoods take back their communities.

"We must get to know our neighbours again," he said. "Neighbourhood watches can have a lot of strength along with more community policing, where the same two officers are regularly in the area building up trust.

"The time for talking about the problem and blaming people is over. We need action, and it has to come from the community. We want to get people motivated to do something. Our party is trying to get people to buy in, get involved and have a say in what is going on."

He said his party was planning to unveil its plans on how to tackle crime at a public meeting in St. George's on Thursday, adding that it was a mix of "technology and old fashioned community policing".

No one has been arrested as yet in Mr. Harford's murder.

A spokesman added that the investigation was ongoing: "Local investigators are being assisted by a crime scene examiner and a forensic pathologist from the USA.

"There continues to be a high profile Police presence in the area with the Police Mobile Command Unit stationed at the scene and Community Action Team officers conducting house to house inquiries."

Police are appealing for any witnesses to this incident or anyone with any information to contact Inspector Calvin Smith on 295-0011. Also, anyone with any information about the shooting is encouraged to call the confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hot line on 800-8477 or submit an anonymous tip via the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website at www.crimestoppers.bm.