A Bermudian motivational speaker has been honoured for a series of gang intervention workshops in Brooklyn, New York.

Dennis Rahiim Watson was presented with an award by Brooklyn's Chief Law Enforcement Officer and Kings County District Attorney, Charles J. Hynes. Mr. Hynes praised Mr. Watson at the Third Annual Youth and Gang Violence Conference at Medgar Evers College, for his workshops.

Mr. Watson is CEO of the Center for Black Student Achievement and is chairman of the National Youth and Gang Violence Taskforce.

He told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "Gangs, guns, burglaries, murders are on the rise in Bermuda and it threatens business, tourism and public safety.

"Bermudians need to take back the Island from the fake gangsters and wannabe thugs. We cannot continue to have as our tourism motto 'Feel The Love' if Bermuda's black males and its youth population issues are not addressed now."

In his keynote address at the Third Annual Youth and Gang Violence Conference, he challenged more than 500 young people to follow President Barack Obama's example of achievement against the odds.

He also spoke on conflict resolution, anger management, retaliation, strategies for dealing with the Police, respect for life and issues of public safety.

Mr. Watson said: "Gangs, guns and violence may seem glamorous and attractive on TV or from the lyrics of your favourite artist, but you must avoid all the nonsense, hype and foolishness, because while you are doing 15 to life with no chance of parole your favourite artist is living large with a great home, luxury cars, swimming pools and all the amenities of life.

"Do not be suckered in by the gangster and thug mentality, I have seen it all. I have been conducting workshops in New York prisons since 1983. I have seen grown men cry and bawl like babies during lockdown and solitary confinement. Prison is no joke.

"You must seek out mentors to guide you away from a path of self-destruction. You are the most awesome and phenomenal generation we have ever produced."

Mr. Watson added: "This generation has to think and exercise self-control, especially control of your tongue and knowing when to shut your mouth. No name calling, no profanity, no threats, no assaults, no burglary, no break-ins, no house invasions, no raping and no murders."

He said: "Does it make sense to spend your best years incarcerated. Who in their right mind in America, in spite of racism and discrimination, would want to throw away their dreams, hopes, goals and aspirations over drugs and petty jealousies?

"America in spite of its flaws, is still the land of opportunity and a beacon of hope."

Mr. Watson added: "We have a generation that is hooked on ignorance and addicted to the fake and dangerous images that emanate from MTV and BET. The effects of gang violence can be found throughout Africa and the Caribbean there is an increase in gang violence in places like Bermuda, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Haiti, Grenada, St. Kitts, Nevis, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas.

"The hip-hop community has to be challenged on promoting the dangerous influences of sagging pants, du-rags, the escalation of profanity and the non-stop use of 'n*****s' and 'b*****' and other forms of filth and degeneracy as an alternative to decency, self-respect, pride in appearance, academic achievement, community service, belief in God and a desire to make your mothers and fathers proud."

Mr. Watson, who was born in Ord Road and raised in Southampton, has lectured at more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the US, Africa and the Caribbean.

He was recently named one of the top 50 best Black Speakers in America.

If you would like to contact Mr. Watson, call 212 252 2272 or email: black.success@yahoo.com">black.success@yahoo.com