Confronting the Shadows: Harris Urges Island Community to Address Inner Struggles to Combat Gang Violence

Frankco Harris, a criminologist researching gang violence in Bermuda, shared important insights at a meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club. He believes that to break the cycle of gang violence, Bermudians need to face difficult truths and respond sincerely.

Harris emphasizes the need for community support. He highlighted organizations like Transitional Community Services, which help young adults, and called for more resources to bolster their efforts. “It’s about meeting people where they are and providing the programming they need,” he said.

Looking back at the early 2000s, Harris pointed out that previous efforts haven’t been effective enough. He stresses that success lies in evaluating existing services and adjusting them to better serve the community.

Many Bermudians are aware of the violence surrounding them. Harris challenged listeners to consider the reality behind the statistics. “As a social scientist, I ask: How do we know what we know? And if we do, why aren’t we responding with comprehensive support?”

He believes it’s crucial for those affected to speak out and seek help. Reflecting on his experiences with violence while growing up in Bermuda, Harris spoke about how those experiences fueled his curiosity about the roots of violence. “Too often, people discuss gang issues without truly understanding what it’s like to live in a threatening environment,” he shared.

Although his background wasn’t rooted in gang life, as a marginalized young Black man, he understands the complexities involved. Harris pointed out that true progress requires authenticity. “We need to engage with our struggles openly and act based on sincere understanding,” he said.

Harris is currently completing his doctoral studies at Oxford University, focusing on the socio-spatial dynamics of gang violence. His research explores how social inequality and personal experiences contribute to patterns of violence in small communities.

Through interviews with various stakeholders—police, families of victims, and former offenders—he aims to center their voices in the solutions to violence. “This is about ensuring that solutions are shaped by those affected, not just imposed on them,” Harris concluded.

As violence continues to impact communities, discussions like these are vital. They not only shine a light on the issues but also encourage everyone to take an active role in creating solutions. For more insights on crime and community dynamics, you may find valuable information in reports from the [Bermuda Ministry of National Security](https://www.gov.bm/ministries/national-security) and recent studies on community interventions.

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Gang activity, Crime, Rotary