On September 15, I took part in a discussion facilitated by Bermuda Youth Connect. I want to thank the co-hosts, Halle Teart and Ajai Peets, as well as the behind-the-scenes crew of Tierrai Tull and Maya Palacio for putting on a great event.

Bermuda Youth Connect is a fantastic organisation that has provided a platform for our island’s youth to engage in meaningful and thought-provoking political discourse.

During the discussion, we covered many topics, ranging from crime and policing to the economy and education. However, I’d like to further explore some of the important issues that were raised but not fully expanded upon.

During a conversation on September 5, with young men and women at the Legends establishment on Main Road, Somerset, we were informed of an issue that needs urgent attention. One of the key concerns they raised was the challenge associated with travelling across perceived gang lines to access services at the Transport Control Department.

These young Bermudians feel unsafe travelling across these lines to get their driver’s licences, and as a result, many are simply not getting their licences. A solution proposed by the youth was to expand licensing services to satellite locations in Southampton and St David’s, which we fully agree with, making the process more accessible for all, not just those who feel at risk.

Another issue raised was the hesitancy around voter registration. Several individuals expressed concerns about their personal addresses being made publicly accessible, which in the current climate, feels like a safety risk.

These are not insignificant concerns. It is critical for our government to find ways to protect the safety of its citizens while encouraging full participation in the democratic process. We cannot afford to have young voters, or any voters for that matter, feeling unsafe or unwilling to engage in the very system that determines their future.

Crime and violence in the West End remain serious concerns, particularly for our youth. However, it is our position that crime is not an isolated issue; it is tied to a lack of opportunity. When young people feel they have no viable options, some may turn to crime out of desperation or a sense of necessity.

This is where the importance of economic participation and a good education comes in. A solid education is not just about learning maths and science; it’s about teaching young people the value of hard work, discipline, and thinking for oneself to assess risks and rewards. By equipping our youth with these values, we can reduce crime and violence by giving them a path towards legitimate success.

Furthermore, economic opportunities must be expanded, particularly for young Bermudians. We need to cultivate an environment where innovation is encouraged.

Many of our young people have untapped potential, but they need the tools, resources, and platforms to showcase and develop their skills.

This starts with government policies that reduce bureaucratic red tape, lower taxes, and eliminate unnecessary regulations. When young people feel that they have the chance to create a future for themselves, they are far less likely to engage in destructive behaviours.

Speaking of economic growth, I want to address the issue of the corporate income tax. While the tax is necessary for increasing government revenue, we must ensure that a significant portion of it is used to pay down our national debt. Reducing our debt will ease the financial burden on the public by lessening the need for future tax increases.

It will also allow us to fund vital programmes for our seniors, ensuring they can live with dignity in their golden years. Additionally, we can support community resources, such as the West End Sailboat Club, which has long taught our young people the value of sailing.

By paying down the debt, we create a more stable economic environment, ensuring that Bermuda remains an attractive destination for investment with a desirable credit rating, and ultimately creating more jobs and opportunities for our people.

We need to work together to create a Bermuda that our youth can inherit with pride, one where they feel safe, valued, and empowered. These are not just issues for Somerset, but for Bermuda as a whole. Let’s ensure that the next generation is equipped to carry this island forward.

• Marc Bean is leader of the Free Democratic Movement and candidate for the by-election in Constituency 36, Sandys North

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