Since 2002, over 60 men have lost their lives to gun and gang violence in Bermuda, the overwhelming majority of whom were young and black. Two have died just in this past week.
In light of Tuesday’s murder, TNN’s Trevor Lindsay spoke with Bermudian living in England Grejai Smith, who provided some insight as to why all of these killings might be occurring.
“ A lot of our black men lack love and [good] parenting, and a lot of them do not feel intimidated by anybody,” she said. “ A lot of today’s young people do not respect anyone, not even their parents.”
According to Ms. Smith, parents know what their sons are getting involved in on the streets. She urges these parents to turn their kids into the police, to prevent possible deadly incidents from ever occurring.
“ I know that it must be tough to turn your child in, but it needs to be done,” she explained. “ More parents need to take control of their children. A lot of them have become absolutely demonized.”
Ms. Smith believes that even if young people are involved in gang and street life, nobody deserves to be murdered in any way and no mother deserves to receive a call informing them of their child’s death.
“ If parents know that their child is up to no good on the streets and choose not to say anything, then their death is on them,” she said. “ Stop being silent and speak up, it’s time. I have seen times where people have come to me, asking me to go to the police on their behalf.
I am not going to be part of the problem.”
While offering prayers and condolences after another person is killed is all very fine and good, Ms. Smith says; that does not solve the serious issue. Only action will solve the seriousius problem Bermuda is facing.
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