Perhaps we should begin by looking at the island’s core values and belief systems.

When it comes to examining our social ills, Bermuda does a notable job. We hold symposiums, create committees, employ commissions and vent about the issues through talk shows or other media as part of our local culture. We are expressive, passionate and engaged as members of a small community that hopes to see the island evolve into something better. It has long been said that because of its size, this beautiful country can serve as an example to the world.

The question then begs, how do we do that and what are the specific actions required to become this internationally recognised beacon?

Having had the opportunity to be a part of some of these working groups or forums, there are a few themes that we seem to agree are the foundational fixes to many of our problems. Education, immigration and legislation resonate as key areas in need of reform. Nationalism and early intervention are also consistent concepts that we conclude are the means to a brighter future.

Looking at the latter two, we are seeking ways to become a place of solidarity, peace and common ground. Not to mention, we want a society that we are proud to be part of and tout as unified at its core. We hope to become the picture of an upstream community rather than the converse of addressing problems when they get down to shores where they are impossible to ignore. This brings us back to the early-intervention piece and the lane that I am personally passionate about: prevention with a focus on our next generation. It may come as no surprise that this is where I get on the soapbox of investing in our young people and protecting our children as a fundamental value and belief.

To commemorate 30 years of service, the Coalition for the Protection of Children would like to recognise how far we have come in the specific area of child safeguarding. We want to acknowledge the advancements that have been made particularly with regards to legislative amendments and judicial review. As far as advocating for child rights and equal access to opportunities for our youth, the powers that be have demonstrated that they are paying attention. Equally as important, the public are recognising that there are still things that need to be implemented. The collective belief is there. The concept that children deserve to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment with the necessary support systems in place to self-actualise and become productive members of society holds as true. The remaining question is, how much value do we place on that belief?

We recognise that some of the things we wish for are simply idealistic. However, if we challenge ourselves to get as close to the moon as possible, we should still fall among the stars. Once we have a clear consensus about our fundamental values and beliefs, we can effectively address some of the things that will put our island on the map. In the interest of driving towards where we still need to go, I hope that we can get solution-based and specific about the necessary actions that will bring us not only on par, but beyond our neighbours as far as addressing the issues we face as a community. We can implement structures and frameworks that we model as successful ways to prevent, intervene and ultimately move forward.

With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and throughout the upcoming months, I look forward to discussing through this op-ed series some of the ways we can invest in our future, better safeguard our children, and affect positive change together.

• Kelly Hunt is the executive director of the Coalition for the Protection of Children