Voices from the Streets Part 50- The Conversation Continues!

By Nixon Dickenson

In this week’s article, I would like to share my conversation with Dawshawndre Deane, a promising young man and proud Fisheries Officer.

Dawshawndre began our conversation with the saying, "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

He believes that the level of crime in our communities cannot be solved by one person alone; it requires addressing the root causes of the complex issues that lead to conflicts between young men in neighbouring communities.

Dawshawndre emphasized that a major concern with violence nowadays is the case of mistaken identity and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He also expressed his worry that many of our youths are imitating what they see on social media. This, he says, calls for more parental intervention in supervising their children’s screen time. He believes that more conversations can help young people distinguish between reality and fiction.

The reality is that too many of our young people are turning to violence instead of making better choices. Dawshawndre is a strong supporter of entrepreneurship programs and trade schools. He shared that this is an optimal time for the country to present such opportunities to its citizens, as many individuals can benefit from learning a trade. This will help empower them and teach them how to become business owners, thereby developing our most valuable resource: our people.

He shared that nothing good in life comes easy, but with the right attitude and the right circle of support, anything is possible. Unfortunately, many people who find themselves ensnared by crime live in communities where it has become a way of survival. Dawshawndre called on the government to provide young people with more opportunities to earn a livelihood so that they do not feel hopeless and without options. He expressed that it is time to break the chains of oppression and discover one's purpose and identity. The concept of thugs and gangsters has left many homes broken, many children orphaned, and the graveyard filled with much talent. He expressed that he is a follower of “Voices From the Streets” and believes it is making a difference in keeping the conversation going about addressing crime in our country.

Dawshawndre's appeal to young people is clear: the choice is yours; you have the power to think before you act. During our conversation, he shared profound insights into the complexities of crime and the challenges faced by young people. His emphasis on addressing root causes, the influence of social media, and the importance of parental supervision highlight the multifaceted nature of these issues. His advocacy for entrepreneurship programs and trade schools highlights the importance of empowering individuals and providing them with opportunities to succeed and thrive.

He reminds us that success is attainable with the right attitude and support and calls on the government to create more avenues for young people to earn a livelihood. His appeal to break free from oppressive circumstances and redefine one's identity is a powerful message to all. The devastating impact of gang culture serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change.

Ultimately, his message to young people is clear: the choice is yours; you have the power to think before you act. His words inspire hope and encourage us to work together towards a brighter, safer future for our communities. In our country, where crime and violence often dominate the headlines, he stands out as a beacon of hope and a voice of reason. Keep doing well, Dawshawndre!