Another young Bermudian was shot dead yesterday morning the third gun fatality in 12 days.

The death of Shane Minors, 30, of Pembroke, was also the fourth shooting incident in less than 36 hours.

With gang violence on the increase, we asked people on the streets of Hamilton: just how safe do you feel?

Holly Flook, a 38-year-old insurance executive, from St. David's, said: "I do feel more concerned, as I guess many people are. But it is just being more aware of your surroundings.

"It is bad just before Christmas but regardless of when it happens, this is still tragic."

Jah Simmons, a 20-year-old barman and electrician, from Smith's, said: "I think it's really, really sad actually. Very silly and unnecessary.

"I knew both Kumi (Harford killed on December 5) and Shane (Minors). I grew up with Kumi in the same neighbourhood and went to the same primary school, so I was very sad to hear of his death. He was a good guy.

"I also used to play football with Shane's brother (Shaki also injured in a shooting at Southside, November 13), and I know a few of the other guys who have been shot.

"All this violence is senseless and pointless. Whoever is involved needs to stop right now. They just don't understand the effect this is having on families and on the community.

"At the moment it just seems like tit for tat you take one of my friends, I'll take one of yours. But with death there's no coming back. It's innocent people who are suffering."

LeVar Bassett, a 30-year-old youth worker, from Southampton, said: "I feel safe because I'm not involved in any activity of this kind, but it is disconcerting for the youth.

"I've seen some teenage students become involved in things like this and I think it's due to a lack of direction and goals. I just hope they find it before they reach a point where it's too late to turn back. Most of them are good people.

"The events of the last few weeks and months, I think for most people, they see it as a change in Bermuda. But if you were to talk to educators, they would say it's been coming for over ten years.

"The kids have been fighting in rival factions for years."

Warren Reid, a telecommunications engineer in his thirties, from Pembroke, said: "I wouldn't say I'm more nervous walking the streets but I can understand how other people might feel.

"These individuals know who they are targeting and if you're not in their circle, you're not a direct threat. But at the same time, a bullet can't decide who it is going to hit. It can ricochet, and it can miss, injuring other people.

"This violence needs to stop because it's not good for anyone, not for the people firing the guns or people in general. It is just going to cause more pain and suffering for everyone involved and the entire country."

Edward Tavares, a 53-year-old construction worker from Pembroke, said: "I do feel concerned, absolutely. Everybody is pretty much hyped right now and feeling affected by the latest shootings.

"This is all out of proportion to what used to be the norm in Bermuda.

"And Christmas this is supposed to be a joyous time. We really need to heal the families. The family structure, the values and morals, they have gone."

Kent Simmons, a 58-year-old carpenter and karate teacher, from Pembroke, said: "I don't feel concerned about my personal safety but I do worry about my youngest son (aged 17).

"I do feel Bermuda has changed. The gangster lifestyle is really taking over every household. And I don't think Bermuda can come back from this.

"It is all about retribution, and the children of those slain will grow up with the same attitude.

"What we need to do is try to get back to our roots, instead of our children growing up watching video games which encourage violence."