‘Powerful Messages’ At Men Of God Meetup
On Saturday, men and women gathered together at Heritage Worship Center to respond to the call of mentorship in Bermuda by Youth Vision Promotions.
“With powerful messages from speakers Dr. Ernest Peets, Pastor Daron Lowe, Former inmate Andre Minors, Legendary Hall of Fame Boxer Clarence Hill, Elder Thomas Smith, Singer Huntley Septimus, Youth Worker Anthony Peets, Rev. Nicholas Dill, Kirk Trott, and Bro. George Smith, the night was filled with passion, hope, enthusiasm, commitment and love,” a YouthVision Promtions spokesperson said.
“The crowd was challenged by organizer and YouthVision Promotions Director, Desmond Crockwell to form community-focused support groups, with the intention of communities pooling their resources to help ‘those identified as at risk’ young people.
“Mr. Trott spoke of his time living in Compton U.S.A. and being a marijuana dealer who ‘got jumped’ from gang members after beating one of them up for ‘owing me money’. Mr. Septimus, who serenaded the crowd with his melodic voice, recalled his days in Jamaica, when he carried an M-16 around on a daily basis, and thought is was normal to “live the life of a gangsta”.
“Elder Thomas Smith told of how his family was influential in his upbringing, however his biggest influence, his late father, would also smoke marijuana as part of his lifestyle, and Smith jr. would emulate his father. “I always had it’, said Mr. Smith.
“It was when his uncle intervened, with concern, that Thomas realize the positive support was always there. Others spoke of directly working with at risk young persons, and the undeniable potential that they have.
“Final Speaker George Smith, who only arrived back on the island the day before, spoke of his knowledge of the seriousness of the situation, and gave examples of how young some of those who are getting involved with gang type activity; some as young as 9 years old. He also made a commitment to meet with local politicians and raise the awareness of the situation.
“With reference to the Bible story of ‘ The Damascus Road Experience’, the overall objective of the Men of God Mentorship, is to isolate the identified at risk young persons and build a relationship with the young person.
“Those in attendance got an insight as to what an organized effort would look like and the sacrifice that it would take to make the initiative successful. Time would tell if the efforts of those in attendance will make a difference, but one thing was obvious at this well organized event; There are Bermudians who are willing to work together to help those who need it, and each one can reach one.
“The night also featured the launch of Visionz Anti-Violence Magazine Issue II, which features interviews, experiences and opinions of those who have been impacted by Violence, both personally and professionally.
“Examples are community activist Gina Spence, Former Inmate Andre Minors, Girlfriend of a former ganster Juanae Crockwell, Former Minister of National Security Jeff Baron. The magazine also has a youth highlight section, which promotes talents and efforts of our young people and professionals. “
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