TNN News | Hamilton, Bermuda
In an emotional and exclusive interview with TNN, a young man currently residing at the Residential Care Facility — Bermuda’s government-run residential facility for boys — has courageously come forward to share his truth. The teen, who asked to remain anonymous, reached out in an attempt to give voice to what he describes as a deep and growing struggle behind the gates of a system that he says is failing him and others like him.
“The home is not anything like a home,” he began. “I don’t have the freedom like other teens. They get to hang out with their friends. Us boys in the home — we’re just stuck inside this place.”
According to the teen, who has lived at the facility for over three years, life at the Residential Care Facility is far from rehabilitative or nurturing. While weekends offer limited family visitation, restrictions around social interaction persist, particularly when it comes to spending time with friends.
“Every time I go missing, I’m either with my friends, or with some girls — safe and sound. I’m just trying to enjoy my teen years. I’m going to keep it 100 — I’m tired of this place.”
The young man didn’t mince words when describing the emotional toll. Following the loss of his father, he’s been grappling with depression and hopelessness.
“After my dad died, I’ve just been depressed. I don’t know what I want to do with my life anymore. Nothing good comes my way. It hurts because no one understands.”
He says many boys enter the facility not because they’ve broken laws, but because their families are unable to care for them financially or emotionally.
“People in this community just think we’re some rude youth that can’t follow rules. But the whole time, most of us are here because of broken homes and trauma. Some kids have mental issues, depression, anger issues. The home just turns them into little assholes. I’m seeing good youth lose their mind in here.”
He expressed serious concern that the environment of the facility is not only isolating but counterproductive, contributing to further emotional deterioration among the boys.
“This place needs to be exterminated. Needs to be eliminated. In no way is it helpful for me, and I’ve been here over three years.”
Despite his circumstances, the young man remains articulate and determined, calling for the community to stop judging youth in care and instead listen to them, support them, and understand the pain behind the surface.
“We go to school. We pass our grades. We learn. We’re not stupid. We’re not illiterate. We’re not dumb. We just need someone to hear us out and help us.”
The teen ended with a plea: not just for himself, but for every boy currently living in the Residential Care Facility.
“Someone in the community needs to hear our cry. I’m advocating for everybody that’s here.”
This TNN exclusive brings to light the pressing and painful reality inside Bermuda’s youth care system — one that this young man says desperately needs transformation, not silence.
Stay tuned to TNN for further developments as we continue to investigate conditions within youth government facilities across the island.
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