By Nixon Dickenson
In this week’s article, Voices from the Streets, I would like to highlight three remarkable young men from the island of South Caicos whom I spoke with during the National Youth Week Island tour.
This year's National Youth Week theme is ‘Reclaiming our Community Youths Solution to Violence’, which is quite timely based on the number of violent incidents that have snatched away the lives of our young men this year.
My focus is not to highlight crime but to showcase young people who continue to make a positive difference, which will contribute to decreasing crime in our communities. Hearing about their dreams, resilience, and commitment to positive change was heartening.
Gvenson Doreus 14, Zeshem Cox 15, and Cale Palmer 16—these names now resonate with hope and determination. Their belief in themselves is powerful, and it’s refreshing to see young individuals aspiring to enter the mechanical engineering field. Indeed, education and skill development are essential pathways to creating opportunities and contributing to society.
They also emphasised reading books, which is particularly noteworthy. In an age dominated by screens, it’s encouraging that these young men recognise the value of literature. They shared that books expand our minds, introduce us to new perspectives, and ignite our imaginations. Plus, they’re a great escape from the digital noise!
They have a simple yet profound mantra— “Think Big!”—that holds immense wisdom. They shared that positive thinking shapes our reality, and being mindful of the information we consume (whether through conversations or social media) is crucial. As they rightly pointed out, crime doesn’t lead to success but perpetuates a cycle of harm. By taking a stance to unite against crime, these young men demonstrate maturity beyond their years.
They shared that parents and teachers play pivotal roles in shaping young lives, and it’s heart-warming to know that they continue to guide and support these students. Crime affects everyone, regardless of island size, and addressing it collectively is indeed everybody’s business. The love for the Turks and Caicos Islands shines through their words.
As we celebrate National Youth Week, let’s amplify this message: Believe in yourself, make intentional choices, and contribute positively to your community. These young men are living proof that determination and purpose can create lasting impact.
Comments