Hamilton, Bermuda – In a powerful and emotionally charged forum held last evening, the Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with the Gang Reduction Coordinator’s Office, brought together students from five high schools across the island to confront the pressing realities of gang violence, knife incidents, and youth trauma.
The forum featured compelling skits and video productions created by the students themselves—raw and honest portrayals of the struggles many of them face daily. Their performances left a lasting impact on attendees, especially the Minister of Education, the Honorable Senator Crystal Cesar, who was visibly moved by what she witnessed.
“Truth be told, it was real stories,” Senator Cesar said in a post-event interview. “We oftentimes want to punish our young people. But these young people opened their arms to us. They gave us their truth. They reminded us that it’s up to us to take care of them.”
The minister described the presentations as “tear-jerking,” “insightful,” and “inspirational,” emphasizing that the experience reaffirmed her dedication to her work in education. But more than that, she called on the wider community—parents, leaders, and elders—to hear the messages that weren’t explicitly spoken.
“So my question is: did you hear what they didn’t say?” she asked. “They’re not saying they don’t want rules. They’re saying we need to bring those rules with love—real love, not fake love—and make sure we are truly supporting them.”
The forum didn’t just showcase student talent; it underscored a call for a cultural shift in how Bermuda addresses youth behavior, trauma, and mental health. Many of the students spoke, directly or indirectly, to the pain of losing friends to violence and the lifelong impact of trauma experienced at a young age.
“These are things they will carry for the rest of their lives,” Cesar said. “And so we have to be able to support them, hear them, meet them where they are, and help them to flourish.”
When asked about the path forward in tackling the island’s long-standing issues with gun and knife violence, Senator Cesar affirmed that the government is committed to change.
“In conjunction with the Ministry of National Security, we are all very interested in ensuring that we turn the tide,” she said. “But again, we can’t just punish. We have to provide resources, support, trust, and guidance.”
Importantly, the minister highlighted the need to confront the stigma surrounding mental health—a theme echoed throughout the student presentations.
“Mental health may still be a taboo topic, but it shouldn’t be,” she stressed. “Just like any physical illness, mental illness deserves attention and respect. If we want to educate our young people holistically, we must also address their mental health.”
The evening was more than just a forum. It was a mirror held up to the community—a sobering reminder of the challenges Bermuda’s youth face and a call to action for every adult to listen, to support, and to love.
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