Senators Jeff Baron and Tinee Furbert called at Gilbert Institute to take part in Gang Resistance Education And Training graduation.

Mr Baron, the national security minister, said connecting with young people can help them make the right choices as they develop through life.

The Great programme is a youth educational awareness initiative that teaches life skills to address anti-social behaviour and crime in Bermuda.

It aims to help students develop positive solutions and decisions when dealing with tough decisions and peer pressure. More than 700 students have participated since its introduction in 2014.

Mr Baron said in a statement: “We are keeping an important promise from 2016 Throne Speech and that was to expand the Great programme to primary schools.

“The expansion of this proven, successful programme to a wider audience of Bermuda’s young people strengthens the message of positive lifestyle choices at every opportunity.

“Positively engaging and connecting with our youth at an early age is a critical component to helping them make good lifestyle choices when faced with challenges.”