Stop the Violence

By. Bernadine McIntosh

On August 20, 2001, I opened my daily paper and the picture of a handsome young man stared back at me. He seemed to be someone full of life with a bright future ahead of him. Unfortunately, there is no bright future for this young man. The caption next to his picture read, "Murder at Ringwood Drive Lucaya." The handsome twenty- year old was the victim.

This is something that is all too familiar in our Bahamian Community. Youth against youth violence seems to be on the increase. There seems to be a sense of anger in many young people and sadly, the tendency is to lash out at whoever gets in the way.
"Who is safe from this violence? "Who will be the next victim?"
"Can it be you?"
The truth is no one would like to think that they can be a victim of any act of violence. However it is not impossible. Not only can you be a victim of violence you can commit acts of violence.

Sad to say many teenage young ladies also commit acts of violence. We would never want to believe that we can get violent with someone however, when tempers fly, sometimes stuff happens.

Here's a few points to consider to avoid falling into the category of victim or villain.

TALK IT OUT - If you're angry with someone try to resolve it in a peaceful manner.

I'M SORRY - These words are at times very hard to say but if you're wrong admit it and apologize.

DO NOT CARRY A WEAPON- If you carry a weapon chances are, you'll use it.

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT OR REACT: You have a bright future ahead of you. Don't allow yourself to fall prey to a bad temper, yours or someone else's. Let's STOP THE VIOLENCE!

Sept/Nov 2001