As she implored with Bermuda's youth to remain focused on their visions, Bermuda College Student Government president Dina Simas told the entire community they must be more supportive of the Island's young people.

Ms Simas was the guest speaker at the Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Lecture held at the Warwick Workmen's Club on Thursday.

According to event organiser, Warwick MP Dale Butler, over 250 people attended the forum which focused on youth issues and ways which some of the problems in the community can be solved.

"There was a healthy mix of participants.The night went extremely well," Mr. Butler said. "The facilitators did a first class job."

In her moving speech, Ms Simas addressed some of the issues the Island's youth are facing.

"Despite all of the challenges that the youth face including the frustrations, anger, aggressiveness and violent behaviours that are unfortunately being portrayed, they still do have visions inside of them," she said.

"What they don't have is the support, respect, or understanding from their social environment which can lead t o their lack of moral structure, lack of values and respect among themselves and to fellow members of the community."

Ms Simas reminded the community that violent behaviour does not develop overnight and that collective responsibility in the community must be embraced.

"It is time for all to stop complaining and do something that has been forgotten. It is time to listen."

And the college student spoke to all facets of the community.

She told parents they must take the time to guide their children and create a nurturing environment for them.

"We need you to guide us by teaching us love, respect, understanding, and to encourage us in everything we do. All youth need and want is to be able to count on our parents. Stop making excuses and make time to spend with us," Ms Simas said.

And she encouraged teachers to become role models for their students.

"You have the ability to inspire us to become the leaders of tomorrow," she said. "Patience is a virtue that needs to be practised more, for everything that you say or don't say impacts us the exact same way as our parents."

"Stop judging us and cringing every time we get on the bus or walk into your store. Some of us are extremely loud and immature. However, the majority of us are not looking for trouble..." she said to the community at large.

But Ms Simas directed her strongest message to her fellow young Bermudians.

"The solution begins with you. Never give up on your dreams how big, small, simple or complicated they may be.

"We are the future of this prosperous Island and later on we have to lead it. We have to hang in there despite our frustrations and fight for our dreams, for our future," she said.