In response to the concerning surge in gun violence, particularly affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands, key stakeholders from across the various Government Ministries and Departments, in collaboration with Dr. David Burrows are taking proactive steps to address this issue head-on. Mr. Gary Knowles along with members from the Christian Council and representatives from the Private Sector are also playing an integral role in the planning and execution of this rewarding initiative.
Dr. David Burrows is a multifaceted motivator, inspirator, businessman, consultant, and mentor, who has served as Chaplain to the Bahamas Government Parliament and House of Assembly and as the chief advisor to the Bahamas Government on Youth matters as Chairman of the National Youth Advisory Council on three occasions. Dr. Burrows has also engaged the services of two other street intervention specialists in the persons of Carlos Reid and Eric Fox as key contributors to this project. Collectively, they have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to accessing, engaging, and mentoring troubled youth.
The ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’, which will be facilitated by Dr. Burrows will take place in two phases. In phase one, Dr. Burrows and his team will conduct critical stakeholder engagements on Providenciales and Grand Turk. The interventions will include all sectors and will be divided into three sessions where presentations and active engagement and participation will be the order of the day. Phase one takes place between January 21st to January 24th, 2024. This assessment is critical and will provide much-needed information for the phase two intervention which will take place in February 2024.
Phase two will consist of multisector training, street interventions, and presentations across the islands. The training seeks to equip both experts and everyday individuals with useful strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of gun violence and influence troubled youth to make more positive choices. Participants for the training will include law enforcement, correctional officers, church and ministry leaders, community leaders, educators, pastors, parents, children, social workers, entrepreneurs and other non-profit organizational members.
The components of the training are as follows:
● Characteristics of troubled youth – Who are they and why?
● Understanding the Game- (Street and gang life)
● How to access and engage troubled youth
● Proven success strategies for effecting change
● Practical examples of successful interventions
● Organizing follow-up and monitoring
● Sustained long-term programming
● Youth leadership development for teenagers
● Mentoring and life coaching for young men
● Utilizing community resources
It is anticipated that the ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’ will promote the following:
Community Engagement Programs: Implementing community-based initiatives to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among young men. This includes mentorship programs, sports activities, and art initiatives that provide positive outlets for self-expression.
Conflict Resolution Education: Integrating conflict resolution and anger management modules into the school curriculum to equip students with essential skills to peacefully navigate disputes and challenges.
Counseling and Mental Health Support: Strengthening mental health services within schools, ensuring that students have access to professional counseling and support to address underlying issues contributing to violent behavior.
School Resource Officers: Collaborating with law enforcement to station School Resource Officers in educational institutions. These officers will build positive relationships with students while providing a visible deterrent to potential criminal activity.
Parent and Community Involvement: Establishing partnerships with parents, community leaders, and organizations to create a united front against gun violence. Regular forums and workshops will be organized to educate and involve the community in the efforts to address this pressing concern.
Curriculum Enhancement: Enhancing the curriculum to include modules on conflict resolution, empathy, and responsible decision-making. The aim is to instill values that promote a peaceful and inclusive community.
Youth Outreach Programs: Launching targeted outreach programs that engage young men through positive activities, skill-building workshops, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, the Hon. Rachel Taylor added that, “The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all citizens, residents and visitors. By implementing the ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’, we aim to empower our youth with the tools and support necessary to make positive life choices, ultimately contributing to a safer and more harmonious community.”
We request the general public’s support as we seek to provide meaningful opportunities and experiences for the youth in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
