18 November, 2014

Dear Sir,

The recent spate of gang-related violence is another reminder that this Island still has some very grave social issues to resolve.

Some action, such as the decision by Somerset Cricket Club to ban anyone with a link to gangs, can have an immediate effect.

However, more grassroots action needs to be taken now as well. Every day hundreds of children meet with their mentors to read, talk, have fun together and build meaningful relationships.

Mentors make a profound difference in the lives of their mentees which in turn helps to strengthen our community, the economy and our country. Young people with mentors have more positive visions of themselves and their futures and they also achieve more positive outcomes in school, and the workplace.

The Police, the Government and the relevant organisations will all take a particular course of action in an attempt to stop the violence. However, the issues facing Bermuda’s youth are wide-ranging and complex. Helping our young people navigate their way through to adulthood is a process that will take the efforts of more than the traditional family

I would like to encourage as many people as possible to become mentors.

CLARE MELLO

Executive Director, YouthNet