A former Bermuda College student body president warned yesterday against assuming all young black males as ?having issues?, and said the recent focus on them could be counter-productive.

Kenneth Caesar, who is pursuing a Master?s degree in education at Howard University in Washington DC, told Hamilton Rotary Club: ?Yes, there are black males that have issues, but I cannot stress enough that we must be very careful that we do not damage the image of the black male.?

Mr. Caesar said the majority of our young black men were successful like him and added that it is not only young black men that have issues ? but also both men and women of a variety of races.

Mr. Caesar said he stood as a strong representative of the majority of Bermuda?s young people who are working hard to move forward and become successful citizens of the Country.

He began his speech with the old African Proverb which states ?It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child? and continued saying ?and I am a true product of the village.?

Mr. Caesar, who received an ?excellent education? at West End Primary School and Sandys Secondary School, said his years at The Bermuda College provided him ?with the foundation I needed to go oversees and further my education?.

?I would strongly recommend Bermuda College as an excellent first step for anyone who wants to pursue higher education,? he said.

Mr. Caesar then went on to study at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, spent three years teaching, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Education Degree in Special Education.

He also said the time he spent as a member of the Bermuda Regiment was ?a very important part of my life? which challenged him in many different ways and enabled him to become more disciplined.

He was able to work his way through the ranks from private to Corporal.

Mr. Caesar encouraged young people to ?take advantage of all of the resources in Bermuda?, adding: ?As young people we must ensure we are properly qualified and able to take on the jobs in Bermuda. It?s important for more people to become specialised in areas they are interested in.?

He said community involvement is vital in the path to becoming successful not only professionally but also personally in Bermuda. He feels there are ample opportunities for young people to become involved in various areas.

It is also important for young people to take advantage of the internships that many companies offer because it ?allows for them to become familiar with the day to day operations of the company and also allows them to make good career choices?.

Another key factor is volunteering: ?It is important that people recognise in life, in order to be truly successful you must pay your dues first. You must go in at the lowest level and work your way up.

?This gives you the chance to truly understand every aspect of the job you work in.?

Mentoring played an important part in his own personal growth, he said.

?For me personally I have had many people who have guided me through different stages of my life and have been very fortunate to have people take interest in me and provide me with the necessary direction.

?I am proud to admit, I would have never made it if I did not have the direction of mentors.?