National

Youth Violence And Conflict Resolution Seminar Expanding Efforts

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Youth Conflict Resolution Seminar empowers teens to tackle rising violence through community and faith-based solutions.

Published

4 months ago

July 28, 2025

Denielle Miller

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Of the 696 crimes against the person recorded so far in 2024, 593 occurred in New Providence. These include serious offenses like murder, manslaughter, rape, and armed robbery.

It’s alarming statistics like these that inspired the creation of the Youth Violence Conflict Resolution Seminar, now in its third year. After successful events in Englerston and Bain Town, the initiative made its way to Fox Hill Community Park this past Sunday.

There, we met siblings Andrea and Isaiah Simon, young voices eager to spark change. Both say they came to learn how to uplift their community and help reduce violence.

Andrea believes crime is rooted in a deeper issue, a lack of self-worth and respect for others.

ANDREA SIMON – ATTENDEE
“We take each other as a joke and don’t take each other seriously. That’s why we have no problem shooting each other down, not even giving each other the respect to resolve a conflict.”

For Isaiah, one statistic shared at the seminar hit hard: most violent crimes are committed by Black males under the age of 25, a reality that deeply unsettled him.

DENIELLE MILLER – DEMILLER@CABLEBAHAMAS.COM
“Isaiah says that even though he’s not involved in crime, it’s disheartening to know that as a young man of color, he’s often stereotyped.”

ISAIAH SIMON – ATTENDEE
“I’m in their category, so if anybody looked at me, they’d probably think the same thing.”

So, what’s the solution?

Event organizer Officer Malachi Israel says it starts with unity, from community leaders to law enforcement and faith-based groups, coming together with purpose.

MALACHI ISRAEL – ORGANIZER, YOUTH VIOLENCE CONFLICT RESOLUTION SEMINAR
“We’re dedicated to bringing solutions to the crime problem. We’re targeting youth in these communities, and we believe the answer lies in biblical principles and proactive engagement.”