The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

REACH Out Youth Organisation will hold its annual Men United March Against Crime on the Whit Monday holiday.

All victims of crime and the families of murder victims are invited to come out and join youth groups and marching bands in a procession to Taino Beach.

Founder Dudley Seide announced that this year’s march is named in honour of Cecil Thompson, a veteran youth leader and retired educator in Grand Bahama.

The organisation is also honouring Rev Lindy Russell for his work in youth development and Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Emrick Seymour.

“We thought it was fitting to honour the three outstanding individuals this year to Mr Thompson and Rev Russell for their contribution to youth development; and to Mr Seymour for doing a terrific job when it comes to crime in Grand Bahama,” he said.

So far this year, eight persons were murdered in Grand Bahama. Earlier this year, Mr Seymour expressed concern about the murders taking place on the island.

At a press conference held at police headquarters on Tuesday, Mr Seide said: “We want families to come out, victims of crime, and we asking them to bring placards. We want families of victims who have been murdered, or anyone who has lost a loved one to wear their pins, and shirts as we march against crime on Grand Bahama.”

The march will start at noon at the Grand Bahama Cricket Club on Baleo Road and will end at Taino Beach, where a number of activities will be held.

Before the march, a motorcade will start from West Grand Bahama, starting at Mt Zion Baptist Church at 9.30am to the Cricket Club in Freeport. The motorcade in Freeport will begin at Christ the King Church.

Mr Seide is appealing to all marching bands, schools and civic organisations and groups to support the march.

Mr Thompson was pleased to be honoured, along with Rev Russell and ACP Seymour by the Reach Out Youth Organisation (ROYO).

“I accept this honour with a sense of humility and gratitude,” he said. “I could not be more honoured of this parade being named after me because I have been a part of assisting Mr Seide with it since it started.”

The former educator’s involvement in youth marching bands first dates back to 1983 in Andros, where he was an educator.

When he was transferred to Grand Bahama, Mr Thompson was instrumental in forming the Hawksbill High School Marching Band in 1989. He organised many parades in Grand Bahama over the years and continues to do so for many official functions.

Rev Lindy Russell, a former parliamentarian, has been involved in youth work for 40 years in Grand Bahama.

After recovering from a major stroke last year, Rev Russell continues his work in youth development.