Videos created by students cover topics such as gang violence and mental health
Following the Minister of National Security’s statement in the House of Assembly on Friday, 27 June, the Ministry is pleased to share additional highlights and multimedia content from the successful youth event, “Truth Be Told: Youth Rise Against the Violence – A Movement Begins.”
Held on 10 June at Pier 6, the event brought together students from five secondary schools who developed and presented bold, original campaigns tackling some of Bermuda’s most pressing social challenges.
Their work addressed themes such as gang involvement, knife crime, mental health, the ripple effects of violence, and the culture of silence in communities.
Minister Michael Weeks said: “We witnessed something powerful that night; young people transforming pain into purpose. Their voices were not only heard, they were felt. The Ministry is proud to continue amplifying their message and ensure this movement grows beyond the stage.”
Each campaign was created in partnership with local creatives and videographers. The Ministry encourages the public to view the full presentations online using the links below.
· Mount Saint Agnes Academy – The Aftershock
Theme: Ripple Effects of Gang Violence. This campaign highlighted the wide-reaching emotional toll of violent incidents. *Watch The Aftershock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KqlhgEdHcM
· Bermuda Institute – Unlocked
Theme: Challenging Snitch Culture. This campaign used spoken word and visual storytelling to encourage safe reporting and community responsibility. *Watch Unlocked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-by2jscJAlk
· The Berkeley Institute – One Knife, One Moment, One Chance
Theme: Knife Crime & Split-Second Decisions. This campaign addressed the irreversible consequences of carrying weapons. *Watch One Knife, One Moment, One Chance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZzN0Lz9RZ4
· CedarBridge Academy – The War Within. Theme: Mental Health and Emotional Resilience. This deeply personal campaign urged youth to acknowledge trauma and seek help. *Watch the War Within: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYLM_ZLb_40
· Success Academy – Still I Rise. Theme: Root Causes of Gang Involvement. This campaign examined why youth are drawn into gangs and called for systemic change. *Watch Still I Rise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLNnHXpG414
To honour their outstanding contributions, several students were recognised across three award categories:
· Voice of Change Award: For courageously addressing hard truths:
Giana Romeo (Mount Saint Agnes), Jayden Belboda-Ravenau (Berkeley), Ceszinee Cox (Berkeley)
· Creative Vision Award: For exceptional originality and design leadership:
Jayce Fough (Berkeley), Kamaya Lynch-Wade (Mount Saint Agnes), Kacia Barnett (Bermuda Institute)
· Impact in Action Award: For the campaign with the greatest real-world impact:
The Berkeley Institute for One Knife, One Moment, One Chance
The “Truth Be Told” initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing Stop the Violence Campaign and will continue through summer workshops, lesson plan development, and school partnerships.
The Ministry extends special thanks to programme coordinators Darren Woods and Cadre Smith, the Gang Violence Reduction Team led by Bishop Leroy Bean, and all mentors and creative partners who helped guide students throughout the project.
The Ministry also thanks its sponsors, One Communications, MS Reinsurance, and Nspire Bermuda, for their continued support of youth-led solutions.
To continue supporting Bermuda’s young leaders and view their work:
· Visit: www.stoptheviolencebda.com
· Instagram: @stoptheviolencebda
· YouTube: Stop the Violence Bermuda
Additional photos from the event can be found here. For further information, please visit www.stoptheviolencebda.com
