“Step into the fire of self-discovery. This fire will not burn you, it will only burn what you are not.” — Mooji

These words stayed with me during my time in prison. At my lowest, facing a system that nearly stole my freedom, I embraced prayer, reflected on my dreams, sought a deeper connection with God, and immersed myself in study. These practices became my guide, discipline my anchor, and self-discovery my path towards a sense of purpose.

But not everyone has the chance to find that fire. The grip of poverty, the desperation to make ends meet, and the allure of quick money can lead people down paths they never intended to take. This isn’t just a flaw within the system; it is the system itself planting the seeds of destruction through its failure to build strong foundations for its young people.

We’re often told that a rising tide lifts all boats, but in Bermuda, that tide is sinking too many. For those left behind, the struggles of survival overshadow the promises of progress, creating cracks that only grow wider over time.

These cracks are where violence takes root. It is the result of broken trust, a lack of purpose, and lives derailed by choices made under pressure. The National Violence Reduction Strategy acknowledges the need for prevention, intervention and reintegration, but it doesn’t fully address the deeper societal neglect that creates these cycles.

I know this because I lived it. Flawed gunshot residue evidence nearly stole my freedom not once, but twice. The first trial ended in a hung jury, forcing me to prove my innocence all over again in a retrial. While I was eventually acquitted, not everyone gets that second chance. Now, more than 200 DNA cases are under review, raising the question of how many others have been trapped by a system that prioritises punishment over justice.

Change begins within, but it cannot stop there. Register to vote, speak out and bring justice through the ballot box by choosing leaders who will confront systemic injustice.

It’s time to stand together and fight for the future we deserve.

• Blaine Simmons is sergeant-at-arms for the Free Democratic Movement