What’s Being Said About
Gang Violence Is by Design: Exposing the Lie...

Pastor Bean is known island-wide and internationally as an expert in Gang Violence and Gang Violence Reduction Strategies. When Pastor Bean started work within the Ministry of National Security, Bermuda was facing a dire situation with multiple yearly gang-related murders and rampant gang activity occurring at the time. Pastor Bean adapted a multi-pronged multifaceted approach to the Gang Violence Reduction Strategy, focusing on the root cause of violence and the multi-generational non-addressed trauma that effectively turned things around in Bermuda and dramatically reduced instances of gang-related violence and murder. Gang Violence is by Design: Exposing the Lie is an academic exposé on the gang culture and the different elements contained therein. It is a solid text rooted in science and fact. Pastor Bean’s writing is not simply an academic pericope, but a perfect amalgamation of Pastor Bean’s scholastic studies, his personal life experiences, and his 25 years Career in the field of Gang Violence Reduction. Bermuda has benefited from Pastor Bean’s expertise. Pastor Bean’s methods are perfectly encapsulated in the Book. This text can be used by any Government or Law Enforcement Agency to tackle gang violence. This book, Gang Violence is by Design: Exposing the Lie, will be a significant benefit to our community. I would like to thank Pastor Bean for his work and dedication to our community. This book is just another one of his selfless contributions to the people of Bermuda.

Wayne Caines JP., MP

Former Bermuda Minister of National Security

“As a young black man, I was fortunate to meet many influential persons along my journey to adulthood. Many of these because of their contribution to my experiences and the wisdom that they imparted – knowingly or unknowingly, I became interested in politics and the political process. One such person was my interaction with Stokely Carmichael (aka Kwame Ture), who I met when I was a student at the world renown, Howard University. However, prior to my university exploits, I began my High School experiences at The Berkeley Institute and completed my secondary education in Maine USA at The Fryeburg Academy. There I befriended a young man, who was much like me, excited about future prospects and hungry for political and socio-economic justice. That was none other than young Leroy Bean, or as I called him, ‘Marcus Garvey’. Yes, he was Marcus Garvey and he coined Pastor Leroy G. W. Bean 240 me, ‘Steven Biko’ for my focus on the black consciousness. We wanted to make a difference in our island home –Bermuda. We were convinced, that we would change the status quo. Youngsters, but giant in our thinking, convinced that our lives could and would make a difference. As time waits for no man, life has progressed and the now ordained Bishop Leroy Bean and Minister Michael A. Weeks JP. MP find ourselves living the dream, that so often was discussed, as students at The Fryeburg Academy. He, Bishop Bean, working in the trenches as the Coordinator of the Gang Violence Reduction Team for the Ministry of National Security and ironically, I, as the now Minister of National Security. Our introduction to the meaning of political justice and the equal rights of all persons started as a glean and a discussion between two young black precocious males. Who would have thought that he would be writing a book entitled Gang Violence Is by Design and it is a privilege for me to add this comment. Certainly, I am honored to provide this piece for the new writings of Bishop Leroy Bean, as he has always been one who cared about the downtrodden and disenfranchised. Particularly among our youth. I have seen first-hand, the passion behind this Pastor now Bishop and I wish him every success, as he shares his knowledge with his readers. Bishop Leroy Bean aka ‘Marcus Garvey’, congratulations!”

The Honorable Michael A. Weeks J.P. M.P.

Minister of National Security | Member of Parliament Bermuda, 2023

“Identifying the historical, sociological, psychological, and political precursors of criminality is a monumentally complex and daunting task. In his book entitled “Gang Violence Is by Design – Exposing the Lie” Pastor Leroy Bean comprehensively and skillfully analyzes many of the underlying root causes as to why individuals place or find themselves mired in the criminal justice system. Most importantly, he offers useful and evidence-based solutions as to how the broader society, deeply entrenched institutionalized structures, and the Court system can individually and collectively prevent persons from engaging in criminal behavior and ultimately divert them from the criminal justice system.”

The Worshipful Juan P. Wolffe

Senior Magistrate of Bermuda

“Pastor Leroy Bean has been instrumental in helping many Bermudian families during times of need. On public holidays he is on stand-by, and many days and nights can be found at our local hospital supporting families in grief due to acts of aggression. Because Leroy has been like a brother to me, I can personally attest that he is a man of principle, and his life reflects his commitment to pursing peace in our Island. It is from this prospective that I applaud his efforts in the writing of this book. His wealth of knowledge and experience, specifically in the area of antisocial behavior, has well equipped him in this endeavor. 

The Hon. Derrick Vaughn Burgess, J.P. M.P.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Bermuda Parliament

“This is the first time that I have seen anyone attempt to analyze the gang culture in Bermuda from its fundamental base, right along up to potential solutions. For those who have found the topic of gangs in Bermuda to be mysterious, this book is an essential read. The insight that is offered is invaluable in assisting to educate the public on the role they can play in reducing this phenomenon.”

Charles Richardson LLB

Criminal Lawyer

“It is imperative that we shift from a punitive to a more restorative approach. Assertions made in this book are an invaluable resource for those open to alternate perspectives and open to alternate discipline methods of individuals.” 

Cedarbridge Academy Deputy Principal Tim Sousa

Restorative Justice/Alternative Discipline Practitioner

“Harsh and unjust systemic colonial laws ensured a society of division, disenfranchisement, and loss of hope.Pastor Bean speaks to the hard but necessary truths that underpin our society today. Gang Violence is by Design: Exposing the Lie is a must-read for all those looking for a way forward.”

Lynne Winfield

President of Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda [CURB]

“This book is essential, timely, and imperative to bringing about a resolve to Bermuda and for the menace of ‘antisocial behavior’.”

Bishop Lynn Landy

Founder and Pastor of Agape Faith Kingdom Ministries

“For many decades, the mechanisms behind the development and operation of gangs have been both a source of bewilderment and angst within societies around the world; and as a result, there is a broad body of literature that looks at identifying the psychological and sociological constructs that drive the gang culture in terms of the mentality of the individual gang member, as well as the collective organism.

However, with all of the research and analysis that exists, none truly gets to the crux of the matter as ‘Gang Violence is by Design’. Pastor Leroy G.W Bean provides a most comprehensive analysis of the core causes of gang involvement and antisocial behaviors from a holistic view, which does not merely address the sociological and psychological issues, but clearly explains the broader systemic influences that have given rise to such behaviors.

The book provides an in-depth, riveting analysis of the invisible mechanisms designed by the colonial system that has influenced the psyche beginning from before birth and how such factors impact crucial elements of the individual’s development, as well as the intergenerational challenges that impede one’s functioning in the larger society.

This book is essential for those who wish not only to clearly understand the core issues but to identify empirical evidence for true change.”

Carla R. Bean, Psy.D,

Clinical Psychologist