“We’re here to help.”

That was the message for North East Hamilton yesterday during a community event organised by the Youth Development Zone (YDZ) project.

Booths lined EF Gordon Square with representatives from the Department of Workforce Development, the Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, Bermuda Red Cross, the Department of Energy and Family Centre. Although there was a festive spirit, the underlying theme was one of solidarity for residents and businesses.

Martha Dismont, chairwoman of the YDZ, led the discussion.

With microphone in hand, she said: “We’re here to have a peaceful time. We’re here to have a loving time. We’re here to celebrate your strengths.”

Ms Dismont called it a “coordinated effort” adding: “The whole aim is to make sure the youth are supported and that their parents are supported.”

Key words heard throughout the festivities were “information” and “empowerment”.

Guests were provided with information on resources and opportunities in an effort to boost some of North East Hamilton’s disheartened community and show that they are invested in their success.

Roxanne Christopher of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) outlined incentives provided by her organisation, such as loans and payment plans for small businesses, and a promise of the lowest payroll tax for all new companies starting after 2008.

Ms Christopher announced that popular summertime celebration Harbour Nights will extend to Court Street in 2016. She said: “We’re doing as much as we can to diminish separation.”

Ms Dismont remarked: “Nobody has a reason to feel like they’re being left out.”

Erica Smith, also of the BEDC, said: “I think it’s important for agencies to know that we’re here to help them.

“The event was organised by community residents. It’s a learning experience. It’s all about empowering them and letting them know we’re here to support.”

Ms Dismont also hopes that their example could act as a model for the rest of the community, “to show how to care for people that are struggling.”

She told The Royal Gazette: “People have got to feel that people care about them. The youth of this country must feel that there is a future for them.”

Inspirational speaker Tulani Bulford, a small-business owner, began by calling for a “renaissance” of Court Street.

He recalled how, in his youth, the area was once “like Cup Match every Friday night”.

The YDZ was launched in response to growing problems affecting youngsters, including violence, gangs, parental challenges, lack of access to resources, and polarised communities.

Mr Bulford said: “We found that as young men we struggled with identity in the world.”

The more he spoke to his peers, the more he discovered they felt similarly.

“We have a duty not to let others’ perception become our reality,” he said. “When you change someone’s aptitude you change their attitude and you change where they go in life.”

Mr Bulford later said of Ms Dismont: “She cares about Bermuda. She really does.”

Governor George Fergusson and Michael Dunkley were invited to tour the neighbourhood.

The evening concluded with live music entertainment and food provided by organisers.