A new coalition determined to stamp out violence will hold a three-day leadership conference next week to explore solutions to Bermuda's exploding problems with lawlessness.

“We are not an Island of devils,” declared Bishop Vernon Lambe, a coalition leader, at a press conference held yesterday.

The aim of the coalition is to look at ways in which society is failing and to find ways of making Bermuda a better place and they hope the conference will specific draw out untapped leaders in the community.

“We must do something to stem the tide of degradation in our nation,” Bishop Lambe said. “We are a great people. We are not an Island of devils and we are a Godly people.

“We (the coalition), like you, have observed the proliferation of lawlessness in our streets, schools, sports fields and homes.”

The bishop pointed to “the escalation of vice and violence”, the frustration of educators, the lack of leadership to children and the disintegration of the family as factors which are degrading the quality of life in Bermuda.

“We know it, we talk about it and we are affected by it,” he said

The conference is set to run December 4 through December 7 at the First Church of God on North Shore Road in Pembroke.

The key speaker will be Dr. Myles Munroe, who is the founder, president and senior pastor of the Bahamas Faith Ministries International.

The conference is titled ‘Changing a Nation In Our Generation' and will focus on the power of visionary leadership and how it can positively impact life in Bermuda.

Bishop Lambe said Dr. Munroe is an internationally-renowned leadership development speaker and a consultant to numerous governmental, spiritual and business leaders and is also a best-selling author of over 20 titles.

Topics to be discussed at the conference include discovering the power and purpose of visionary leadership; understanding leadership potential; rediscovering the kingdom mandate for leadership; keys to effective relationships; and, the purpose and power of prayer for effective leadership.

“This is something that will be of value to “This is something that will be of value to all people looking for ethical strategies to pursue success in their lives,” said Bishop Lambe.

“It will not only benefit the individual, but through these individuals, our Island will benefit greatly.

“Dr. Munroe will tell us how his simple leadership techniques can be applied practically to daily life.”

In a press release promoting the conference, Dr. Munroe said that when he discovered that everything he needed for success was already in him, he made a quality decision to maximise every fibre of his being, gifts, talents and abilities.

“The same wealth is in you, unexposed potential is waiting to be released,” he said.

“You are designed to be distinctive, irreplaceable and unique, so, refuse to be normal.

“Live life with all of your might, become all you were designed to be and maximise your potential and become a leader.”

On Saturday evening at 5 p.m., the venue will shift from the church to the National Sports Centre for a Youth Explosion event.

To sign up for the seminars, contact the First Church of God at 295-2297 or register online at www.fcognorthshore.bm/register.