The Tribune

MAKING a change in the lives of young Bahamians was the focus of the 41st Annual Anglican Church Men conference held in West End, Grand Bahama under the theme of “Building Character – Changing Lives”.

During the event, conference speakers expounded on the timely topic of how to positively impact subsequent generations with a view to curbing a growing trend of anti-social behaviour which seems to have gripped today’s youth.

“Quite often, mentoring can be misconstrued, and can become more cloning, with persons wanting to recreate their own character and personality either through their children or the youth in their charge,” the ACM said.

“But clearly, mentoring has to be more involved in elevating self esteem; motivating and encouraging persons to explore and then maximize their potential so that they can become all that they are capable of being with a balanced, holistic lifestyle.”

The new initiative will be focused primarily, but will not be limited to, the areas of greater population density in west Grand Bahama. However, each branch of the ACM will be charged to increase both their involvement with the island’s young men and the public visibility of the organisation in the areas of Grand Bahama where their parishes are established and in the surrounding communities.

A similar initiative was launched a few years ago by the men of the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King called “Love Thy Neighbour”, and a member of that group, Rawle Maynard, spoke during the conference on how his branch is progressing with the programme.

In addition to the conference theme, the ACM addressed a number of current topical issues which have been making national headlines.

A list of guest speakers addressed the ACM; they included the attorney and Chamber of Commerce member Carey Leonard, who spoke on the World Trade Organisation (WTO); accountant and business executive Peter Turnquest, who addressed the topic of Value Added Tax (VAT), and youth leader, mentor and coach Darren Rolle, who spoke specifically on his experience as a leader of organisations involved in shaping the lives of young persons in several communities here on the island.

Grand Bahama last hosted the ACM conference in 2008, during which the Church of the Ascension in Lucaya served as the venue.