The Gender Affairs Unit and Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN) teamed up to host a lively “Empowering Men in Relationships: Part II” Panel Discussion on Thursday, October 22 at the Kingdom Citizens Church. Attendees included the Hon. Evalie Bradley, Ministerial Assistant to the Minister of Home Affairs and Gender, young men from Zenaida Haven Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, Mrs. Ursil Webster Brooks, President of the National Council of Women (NCW) and concerned men and women of the Anguilla community. Those unable to physically attend the event were able to listen in live via Radio Anguilla as part of the Youth Spin Programme.
Opening the evening, Gender Development Coordinator Dr. Ronya Foy Connor remarked that “Part 1 of the Panel Discussion, which took place during Men’s Week 2015, was such a success we had to reconvene at a new location and with new panel members.” Dr. Foy Connor further stated: “The goal of this discussion is to continue hearing the views on critical topics essential to building up our men and boys as strong, focused and empowered leaders.” Pastor Rondy Isles, of Kingdom Citizens Church, immediately opened the event in prayer before the Moderator for the evening, Mr. John Christopher Richardson, was introduced to the audience.
Mr. Richardson noted the special bond that parents and children have, indicating that this bond is “especially needed between fathers and sons as we strive to keep our boys away from drugs, gangs and violence.” The esteemed panel members which included Pastor Dexter Welcome of Dominion Faith Centre, Mr. Joseph Pradel of La Severine Total Fitness, Mr. C. Andre Samuel of the National Youth Ambassadors and Mr. John Millington, Juvenile Care Worker at Zenaida Haven, answered questions such as “What is a parents role in guiding their children?” “What can we do to support and empower our young men?” and “How important is the role of male mentors?”
The question and answer period was robust as young men spoke honestly about their experiences not growing up with a fathers’ guidance. They shared the hurt and pain that they live with on a daily basis and the feeling of needing support and love. Mr. John C. Lake, CEO of ACAN gave closing remarks noting that the fight to reclaim our boys into healthy relationships “starts with us and we will continue when we are dedicated to breaking the cycle.”
The panel members were so moved by what transpired that they are organizing a sports mentorship retreat for young men of Anguilla on December 5, as part of the Gender Affairs Unit’s “16 Days of Activism” from November 25 – December 10, 2015. Please contact the Gender Affairs Unit at 497-2518 for more information or to participate in this vital initiative.
