Sports minister Sylvan Richards has praised Andrew and David Bascome for bringing the difficult subject of sexual abuse into the spotlight.

“As the minister with responsibility for Sports in Bermuda I wish to thank coach Andrew Bascome and his brother David Bascome for their courage and dedication in assisting, developing and protecting young people in our community,” Mr Richards stated.

“Child sexual abuse is a difficult subject to discuss, therefore I commend the Bascome brothers for bringing this topic to the fore at this time.

“There is currently a bipartisan Joint Select Committee empanelled which is reviewing current legislation regarding child sexual abuse and which will, in due course, recommend legislative changes that need to be made in order to further protect our young people from becoming victims of any form of sexual abuse.

“I would also remind the public and all organisations that have contact with young people that there are organisations such as Scars which offer training to recognise and assist in preventing child sexual abuse.

“Additionally, all agencies and organisations should have all persons working with children security vetted on an annual basis.”

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