The Tribune

ADMITTING that there are some troubled youth who seem focused on a life of crime and bad behaviour, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville on Monday encouraged social workers to remain focused and determined in their obligations to make a positive difference in people’s lives, particularly those in need.

He said that even the most troubled youth can be rehabilitated and make a positive contribution to the country.

The Member of Parliament for the Pineridge Constituency was addressing members of the Bahamas Association of Social Workers, which held a one-day workshop at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant in celebration of Social Work Month. The theme for the month is “All People Matter,’ with the primary focus on “Children in Trouble with The Law”.

Dr Darville told the gathering that he has been practising medicine on Grand Bahama for more than 20 years and, therefore, has a strong understanding of the social challenges they face on the island.

“I know that your job is not one of those jobs where you get a lot of support, a lot of goodwill, and it is actually a job that is almost thankless, but there are people in this community who really, really appreciate the things that you do and the sacrifices that you make to protect those who truly need to be protected and to ensure that the safety net that is necessary for developed society is put in place. And for us to be able to bring these individuals from the bottom of the net and produce productive citizens in our community – that is something to be thankful for,” he said.

Dr Darville said Social Work is a noble profession and it is his belief that those who are a part of it must have a strong desire to see poverty, and the crime and the general social decay that accompanies it eradicated.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to the social workers on Grand Bahama, pointing out that at a time when there has been an increase in persons seeking support from the Department of Social Services, they remain committed to helping to improve the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.

“In light of the recession – like conditions that have existed in Grand Bahama over the past decade, as social workers, daily you are called upon to assist residents, help them to cope with issues in their everyday lives, and solve personal and family problems.

“Your job of caring for those in crisis is an extremely important, yet sometimes thankless one.

“Therefore, I applaud you all, and encourage you in the execution of your daily responsibilities to remember that we are only as strong as the weakest link among us,” he said.

He told the gathering that the theme for the workshop, “Children in Trouble with the Law,” is indeed timely as the incidences of teenagers involved in or who are victims of criminal activity continue to be of concern to the Government. In fact, he said, one only needs to read the local newspaper, watch the news or log on to social media sites to see vivid images of young people involved in illegal and immoral behaviour.

He was deeply concerned about just reading the latest news about a 15-year-old girl who was shot dead outside a night club in Eight Mile Rock, leaving many unanswered questions such as why was she there, why was she there at the time she was there, and the list goes on and on, he said.

“I believe this is because we live in a society where some young people seemingly do not know how to channel their anger, fears and frustration, while others give in to peer pressure to do what is morally incorrect,” he said.

Dr Darville pointed out that in its Ten Point Crime Fighting Plan for 2014, The Royal Bahamas Police Force outlines that its fifth objective, is to work with young people.

He said he is satisfied that officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Police Force are indeed executing their duties as protectors, counsellors and mentors of and for the youth on Grand Bahama.