A Bermudian motivational speaker has been honoured as a hero by the New York City Council.

Dennis Rahiim Watson, CEO and President of the National Youth and Gang Violence Task Force, was honoured on September 11 for his efforts to combat gang violence.

At an event entitled 'A Salute To Our Heroes', City councilman Larry Seabrook, the Chairman of the Civil Right's Committee called Mr. Watson a giant, saying: "You have no peer when it comes to reaching young people, especially African-American men. We applaud the fact that you have delivered a consistent message at high schools, colleges, universities, community centres, prisons and juvenile corrections facilities."

Mr. Watson thanked God and his mother, the late Eula Watson-Stewart, when receiving the honour.

"My mother worked as a maid at the Elbow Beach Hotel for over 40 years, cleaning up people's rooms so I could get an opportunity for a college education," he said. "She would be turning over in her grave if I repaid her sacrifices by participating in drugs, gang violence, sagging pants and anti-social behaviour. The truth is, I am a zero, she is my hero."

In an interview last night, Mr. Watson praised his teachers, saying that the reason he is considered a hero is that he is "standing on the shoulders of Bermudian giants," including Julian Hall, Walter Robinson and Dr. Roosevelt Brown.

Mr. Watson has lectured at over 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean, and has been honoured throughout his career with more than 300 awards.

For 25 years, Mr. Watson performed a one-man show called 'The First Black President of the United States,' a show for which he was praised by current President Barack Obama.

"He took my job, but the person who took my job honoured me," Mr. Watson said.

Mr. Watson said that he has been shocked by the increase of violence in Bermuda, saying: "If these issues are not addressed, then there's no reason for anyone to come here because Bermuda becomes New York. Because Bermuda becomes Jamaica. Nobody wants to have a home game of cards and have someone come into your house and shoot you in your chest.

"Young people need to understand that when you get involved with violence then you become an emotional hardship and a burden to your family. They have to pay for lawyer fees, for bail, for funerals."

Mr. Watson called for Bermudians to help the police in preventing violence, saying: "People think that snitching is anti-black. It's not. If I heard that someone was going to try and kill the Premier, within seconds I would tell the authorities. When it comes to taking someone's life, I'm going to be a snitch."

l To contact Mr. Watson, email black.success@yahoo.com">black.success@yahoo.com