Former Premier Sir John Swan has challenged Bermuda’s elders to take responsibility for young people, instead of blaming social problems on the Island’s youth. “Our young people are in trouble before they’re born,” Sir John said. “The problem is not our young people, it’s our society.”Speaking at a luncheon held by the Young Progressives community group, Sir John told the audience: “Education is important, but it’s a means, not an end.”He continued: “Judge young people not by what they are, but what we are, because we are responsible for them.”He said that he had grown up with ambition, even if he didn’t know where to go with it. He recalled the words of his late mother, Margaret Swan: “Son, you can be anything you want to be, and I will help in any way I can, but it’s up to you.”And Sir John urged others to be a similar inspiration to Bermuda’s young men and women. “If we can’t straighten them out, then we have not lived a life worth living,” he said.The Fairmont Hamilton Princess luncheon was held to thank sponsors of a November 26 talent show, to be held by the Young Progressives.Group members Cleveland Simmons and Gershwyn Smith also addressed the gathering, which included Governor Sir Richard Gozney, and One Bermuda Alliance Senator Michael Dunkley.“What we do today will determine what Bermuda looks like 20 years from now,” Mr Smith told them. “Keep your head up high, help the youth along the way, and we will have a better world.”Accepting a certificate of thanks from Mr Simmons, Information Services Minister Neletha Butterfield announced that she is founding a scholarship in memory of 21-year-old Shayne Adderley, a former student of hers, who lost his life in an October 8 road crash.The audience was also addressed by activist Dennis Rahiim Watson, on the Island to attend the Progressive Labour Party’s annual conference banquet on Saturday night.For details on Bermuda Teens Have Talent Too, contact event director June Caisey on 504-4872.What do you think? E-mail news[AT]rg.bm.