Choises, not gangs

September 15, 2009

Dear Sir,

Please permit me to respond to an article a few weeks ago involving the supposed gang members here in Bermuda. I would like to address some of the things that were discussed in that, there were excuses made for their behaviour.

First, I understand their disappointment at the fact that there are no longer trade schools here on the Island as there were before. That is a huge miss, particularly for our young men.

Having said that, it is not an excuse for everything that is happening here of late, not an excuse at all.

Life is all about choices and the choices that we make, determine what and who we are and where we are going. You are choosing to kill one another, break into people's houses, use and abuse drugs and alcohol, while there are others of your age that choose to do otherwise, like make something of themselves. And not all of them came from the best homes or even the best neighbourhoods for that matter. However, they chose to do better for themselves and their families.

Some of you are really bright people. If you put your minds to good use, you have the power to make a difference, but, again, it has to do with choice. Why not choose to put your weapons down, look for jobs in the field that you enjoy, or where you lack education, there are facilities that are more than willing and capable to help you in those areas. You blame Government for the fact that you can't get jobs here because foreigners are being placed in these jobs. Well, they wouldn't have to if you all would get off the streets and do whatever is necessary to better yourselves and claim back these jobs, again, by choice.

I believe it is absolutely ridiculous that someone living in Somerset cannot go to St. George's or even areas of Hamilton because of where they reside. Utter foolishness, simply put.

Riviera Estate hosts a block party every year for those in the neighbourhoods and those wishing to join. This year the party was invaded by misfits who decided to fight with weapons for whatever reason and didn't care who they hurt or even what they did. It was horrific. My son and may others were terribly injured and for what, because you all choose to be thugs.

I am asking you to check yourselves as you wreck yourselves and those around you. As I stated before, it is all about choice. Choose to change for the betterment of yourself, firstly and this Country.

ANGELA BROWNE

Warwick