Government released an in-depth study on the Island's young black males yesterday.

It was not the first report on the subject to be completed, but it has relied on statistics more so than its predecessors.

The $400,000 report — half of which was paid for by the Government and the other half by US-based Atlantic Philanthropies — was completed by Columbia University Professor Ronald Mincy and his team.

When it was announced two years ago Premier Ewart Brown said: "We concede and celebrate that many black men, young and otherwise, are doing relatively well — getting their education, working hard, supporting their families, starting businesses and contributing to the well-being of their respective communities, despite the perceived odds.

"But we do acknowledge that more needs to be done to identify those areas of Bermudian society which may be fuelling the rise and growing prevalence of behaviours which inhibit the life chances of growing number from this very valued subgroup."

A previous study commissioned by former Premier Alex Scott in 2005 was not completed and its findings will not be released because it was decided a more comprehensive one was needed, Dr. Brown said in 2007.

The 222-page report is available today on our website: click here.