MARTIN TOWN, EIGHT MILE ROCK — In celebration of National Youth Month, hundreds of young people from various schools, churches, clubs and civic organizations gathered for the annual youth march in Eight Mile Rock on October 23, 2022.
This year’s Youth Month is being held under the theme “building a bold future”.
“Look at yourselves; look at what you have; believe in yourselves, that is the first thing. Believe that you can achieve anything you put your mind to,” said Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Obie Wilchcombe, who was the keynote speaker at a mini rally that preceded the march.
“Some of you may not achieve As in school or Bs; you may get Cs, but that’s okay, even while you’re pursuing the As and Bs. God gave each one of you a gift. You have to figure out what is your gift… and when you find that gift, go after it boldly, conquer it, master it, but don’t allow people to tell you that you cannot achieve something.”
The parade, which also included the Church of God of Prophecy Marching Band and the Legends Marching Band, started at Martin Town Primary School grounds and ended at St. Stephens Anglican Church.
Wilchcombe advised the crowd of young people against just accepting the messages social media platforms are presenting to them, urging them instead to think critically when making decisions.
“And when you make a decision, make a decision that would allow you to have a better future in this country and in the world,” Wilchcombe continued.
“Young people, I want you to look at yourselves and those around you, and appreciate how fortunate you are in this part of our country. There are thousands of young people in our country who don’t have the opportunities that you have.
“There are thousands of young people who go to bed every night without a meal. There are many young people who are not in school for one reason or another. There are many young people who are sitting at home here in Grand Bahama, in Nassau or in some other island, because their parents have left them, have abused them, have rejected them and now we have responsibility for them.
Whilchombe added: “You must give your parents, teachers and those who serve as counselors some gratitude. Consider that you can gather here today and go on a march, but there are places in the world where young people cannot do this. They cannot get together like this and have friendly rivalry among schools and youth groups. They would be penalized, marginalized and in some circumstances, they could lose their lives.”
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