Impacting lives
In June Jane Corriera decided to run for political office in Bermuda and officially with Bermudian Premier, Dr. Ewardt Brown, made the announcement for the Progressive Labor Party (PLP) seat in Smith South. This was an unusual seat as it has been a United Bermuda Party opposition seat strong hold of Cole Simmons. Also, the PLP has historically been a black party, and Jane is not black.
Jane was the first female commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. I got to know Jane and her husband Dennis through our involvement in the ocean yacht racing world and got to see her determination in breaking glass ceilings and leaving behind a legacy that have been better for her leading the way. The world of yachting politics has been more political than politics itself. Jane has several issues she wants to tackle. She chose as her political motivation, to address gang and youth violence, the Bermudian drug issues and race relations among other things. She called us for help. Darlene and rose to the occasion.
I have worked with the Bermudian youth in the past and this was a logical building block. Darlene and I return to Bermuda for four days to speak to the youth and country leadership. We met with numerous elected members of the Government, some of whom held cabinet portfolios, plus several other candidates who were running for the first time. Our discussions were the impact of gangs and drugs on society, especially in Bermuda. Some do not see this as big an issue while others do. Each life affected by gang violence or drug abuse is one to many lives affected. Not everyone is affected, but for those that are, it is a dreadful situation with deep ramifications.
The most important address that I have given to date in my career took place on Monday, October 7th at the offices of the Bermudian Industrial Union (BIU) offices. I was introduced by the Premier to the community leaders. Ewardt Brown laid down a foundation for me to build on, stating that there will be major changes in Bermuda with the introduction of the Mirrors Program and that his Government will be taking these issues very seriously. Ewardt re-arranged his schedule to introduce me and did stay for a large part of my keynote before returning to other business. Also, the Minister Dale Butler whose portfolio includes addressing these issues was present for my keynote but had to leave before the next part started.
My No Barriers Only Solutions keynote was the foundation to seek solutions and open the discussion on this very important issue. Through the leadership of the BIU, a bi-partisan plan emerged to form a bi-partisan task force that will meet before the end of October. I have not only encouraged dialog with the leadership of the country or the police, but for these leaders to go to the grass roots of the community. Everyone knows someone involved in one of the gangs, pushing and or using drugs. Everyone agreed that an all inclusive solution is required.
It is a great honor to be working with Jane on this issue, and to use my keynote platform to inspire change. There were numerous appearances with the media including the hugely popular Hott on the Street, a live radio show, a television interview with Brian Darby of VSP and an article in the Mid Ocean News. Jane has taken it on to make a difference and many people, Darlene and I included, are going to do what ever we can to support her in making an impact on the lives of Bermudians. I may not be Bermudian, but I am a citizen in this world and it takes and every one of us to make a concerted effort to make positive contributions where ever we are in this world. We are a global society and what happens in one corner of the world does have ramifications in all our communities. Please find your way to help make positive contributions to our societies.
