Photos: ‘Live Love Life’ Youth Talent Contest
Minister of National Security Wayne Caines thanked and congratulated all the participants of last night’s “LIVE. LOVE. LIFE. Stop the Violence” youth talent contest, saying it was an ”uplifting, empowering and inspirational event.”
“The event, which took place at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, saw a standing room only crowd in attendance to support Bermuda’s young people, as they showcased their talent towards creating their own soundtrack to stopping violence in Bermuda,” the Ministry said.
“LIVE. LOVE. LIFE. was the first event of its kind sponsored by the Ministry of National Security. Its aim was to engage our young people in a creative way and raise awareness about addressing violence and anti-social behaviour. Last night’s participants expressed themselves through spoken word, rap and song.
“At the end of the night, Dellwood Middle School emerged as first place winners, while second place went to the West End Warriors, and third place to Simeon Pearman.
“The People’s Choice winner was the Northlands Primary choir. Also giving a powerful presentation last night was MOM Bermuda’s Dee-Ah Iris, who recounted how gang and gun violence has dramatically affected her life.”
“Lastly, Minister Caines thanked all the judges, sponsors, parents, principals and teachers for their support and contribution towards making the LIVE. LOVE. LIFE. Stop the Violence Competition a stellar event. It is expected that the next LIVE. LOVE. LIFE. Stop the Violence Competition – an adult edition – will be held in February 2018.”
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Minister Caines said, “Hundreds of people turned out to cheer on our young people who ‘edu-tained’ us last night. We were completely blown away at the level of talent and creativity of our youth. Watching and listening to their performances truly resonated with everyone. And one thing that is clear from last night is that gun and knife violence and anti-social behavior affects us all.”
Minister Caines continued, “LIVE. LOVE. LIFE. provided a forum for our young people to share their messages of non-violence and express themselves in a positive way, within a supportive atmosphere.
“This was an uplifting, empowering and inspirational event not just for our young people, but for those in attendance. And I am encouraged that we will build upon this success to ensure a lasting change in our community.”
Hosts of last night’s event were Antoine Jones and Juanae Crockwell. More than ten schools had participants in the event, including Chatmore Academy, Somerset Primary, West End Primary, Paget Primary, Purvis Primary, Bermuda Institute, Northlands Primary, East End Primary, Harrington Sound Primary, Dellwood Middle School and CedarBridge Academy.
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I have no idea if this will work. On the face of it, it is frankly ridiculous that the scourge of violence can be contained by what is effectively, a singing contest. However, and this I stress, Minister Caines should be applauded for organizing so quickly and embracing such a divisive area of his ministry.
Let’s hope that working at a ‘grass roots’ level will have a positive impact on those young people who are on the verge of joining a gang and will also provide some peace to those who have been affected by the problems.