Log In

Reset Password

Island must reconnect to stop social problems

Community group Imagine Bermuda says Bermudians have to reconnect before the Island is overwhelmed by social problems.At a workshop this afternoon in the Salvation Army’s Hamilton Citadel, on North Street, the group resolved to organise a series of community events by this summer.Coordinator Glenn Fubler said: “We’ve got to roll out an event that will go in stages from the east end, central Bermuda and the west end, using schools and clubs and churches as a physical base. What we come up with will be a growing model. We need to have it in place by August, and we can develop from there.”Eugene Woods, a founding member of the Progressive Group which called for the theatre boycotts of 1959, told the meeting Bermuda needed action fast.Mr Woods said: “I want to be a bit of an alarmist. I have seen that in certain areas of Bermuda we now have serious, serious social problems. The situation is very alarming. It is great that we have come here to talk, but we need to get out there as quickly as possible and deal with this.”About 30 social workers, church leaders and members of the public gathered to pool ideas.Family Centre worker and Youth on the Move board member Chae Powell said: “In the short term, we can use what we already have to bring people together. If we can keep it up for ten years, we can change the culture of Bermuda.”Mr Fubler said Imagine Bermuda will be meeting weekly to develop the venue, in time for the August conclusion of the International Year of Youth.Useful web links: www.imaginebermuda.org, www.salvationarmy.ca/bermuda