On behalf of Spanish Town Entertainment, we would like to first take a moment of silence to acknowledge our deep regard for all the suffering families who have been impacted by violence both in Bermuda and around the world. We thank the Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Col. David Burch for partnering with the community programme "Sounds of Sanctuary". We would also like to acknowledge Mr. Bill Zuill, Editor of The Royal Gazette, for his endorsement and the opportunity to tell our story in our own words. Give thanks.

When people who are truly kind give, it is kindness; and when they do not give, it is also a kindness. When people who are really not kind give, it is not a kindness; and when they do give, it is also not a kindness. (The Taoist Classics – on Peace)

Recently, it was announced that Spanish Town Entertainment, in conjunction with the Government, would be staging Sounds of Sanctuary, musical block parties staged in neighbourhoods hit hard by the recent gun crime crisis. We feel it would be helpful to have a bit of background, so that we all have a shared perspective on how the "Sounds of Sanctuary" programme came about. Here is the short version.

Over many years of working in and around the arts, with music, singers and players of instruments, it has become evidently clear to us that entertainment, in particular, music, plays a critical and fundamental function in humanity. It therefore follows that music can be an effective, instrumental and positive influence on people's lives; thus a very helpful tool to utilise in bringing social and spiritual healing to our nation.

Bermuda's youth, from every background, spend huge amounts of time and energy engaging a full range of electronic gadgets which all have technology that harnesses music in some form or other; ringtones, game boys, iPods, BlackBerries, movies, commercials and TV shows, music is ever-present.

Given that music is an inherent element of the human experience, we have always espoused the view that we as people need to find and incorporate more ways to amalgamate the natural interest young people have for the arts into formal education. People are motivated through their interests; we must adapt to reach them.

Our society has infinite access to any and everything that entertainment has to offer through TV, iPods, the Internet, etc. It is no secret that we are living in the age of information, and if we as a people don't tap positively into our children's minds and interests, others will, and our way of life will dissolve like sugar in water, simply because we failed to use that which is right under our noses.

With that in mind, we must ensure that we develop more dynamic and relevant home-grown programs that capture the interest and imagination of our young people, whilst encouraging and inspiring them to develop their own positive attributes about themselves and the lives they are living. For many reasons this need for attention is far more pronounced within communities that suffer from neglect.

We have noticed from early on that involvement, time, commitment, kindness, sincerity and understanding coupled with music is a winning formula when working with young people. We've also noticed that due to the potential danger few people feel safe, knowledgeable or motivated to work in hard-core social environments. The end result equals neglect. This scenario creates a "Catch 22" situation.

Those with the greatest need receive the least attention and/or positive resources, which in turn, causes the social situation to get worse. It's not because solutions to our current social issues do not exist; it's because, we, as a country, have a tendency to be slow to recognise the usefulness of those individuals and groups who have a proven track record working in hard-core social environments and therefore, miss the opportunity to provide them with the mandate and support required to effect positive change.

Spanish Town has been promoting events catering to the so-called hard-core elements all around Bermuda for decades without encountering any violent episodes. At times, we have been asked by people in power to cancel our events, because they believed that our venues may experience an outbreak of violence. When we resisted requests to cancel or postpone, we would still be asked to not proceed and we would acknowledge their legitimate concerns, ensure them that we are cognisant of the situation and kindly tell them that "firemen run to fires, not away from them". This in itself has proven the power of the strong relationships we have with these social elements.

These hard-core youths need positive attention, understanding, guidance, positive challenges and people that love them. Respect is earned, not easily given.

So through the "Sounds of Sanctuary" programme, our "sound boys" or "sounds", and their affiliated artists, singers or deejays, will be the focal point of our community programme. We will work hand in hand in support of them as they set out to organise their hoods around block parties under the theme "Unity in the Community, Worldvibe! Fighting with Peace, Not For it".

This programme has placed an emphasis on SOUNDS in order to remind ourselves that "sound" is more ancient than humanity itself and as natural as a newborn baby's cry.

Our "hard-core" youths are lacking the necessary attention from the experienced adults that can help them redirect their lives. "Sounds of Sanctuary" will help provide a positive forum to bring words and actions together in an encouraging social atmosphere. Through music we will be able to deliver our positive concept and it will be accepted and acknowledged simply because it is already innately attractive to our youth.

Through SOUNDS of Sanctuary, we are giving the hard-core element in the community a real opportunity to understand the true power of non-violence by providing them with the necessary resources, guidance and support to promote peace. Music is indeed the "sweetness that soothes the…" because "when it hits, you feel no pain".

There is real knowledge only when there are real people. (Taoist Classics — on Peace)