#BTColumn – Mentorships could solve some issues

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

by Walter Edey

When it comes to solving crime, every wasted second is always too late.

The root cause of criminality is like nut grass. If every seed is not removed, it will come back.

The breadwinner of many Barbadian families is a single female parent. It is no comfort to them when they visit their sons in jail or bury them. By and large it is a known, but unaddressed crisis.

Currently, about 1, 000 males and 30 females are reportedly in prison.

This male skewed ratio is not peculiar to Barbados, but significant for any small society.

The US Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), in 2018, reported on the male prison population. Black males accounted for
34 per cent; white males 29 per cent, and Hispanic males 24 per cent.

In some States, prison reform is creeping into the political discussion.

For Barbados, any high level of crime penetrates neighborhoods and creates fear.

Worse yet, the reduction of males will have a multiplier effect. Long-term family development as a unit will suffer.

Dr Lawrence Wilson MD explains the role of a family in society.

“The family is the most important social unit of the society. This is a fact that everyone must learn.

“The family is not only the basic societal unit. It is the basic sexual unit; the basic child-raising unit; the basic communication unit; and the basic all-around fun and friendship unit.”

So how can one shine sunlight on this youth and family predicament?

Looking at mentorship success in Barbados is a good place to start. Case in point is the Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition.

It began as an idea 44 years ago. It overcame obstacles. In the process, it has become a mentoring exemplar.

It boggles the mind why this gem, which has changed the lives of many young people, has attracted critics and supporters.

Yet, there has been no deep curiosity. The model has not been borrowed, adapted and replicated by others.

Truth told, this gem is a gift from a father to son. From Mr A Worrell to Richard Stoute. Stoute tells this story to anyone who dares
to listen.

“My father could not spell ADA backwards, but he set the stage on which I performed. He taught and showed me the importance of integrity, respect, time and to believe in myself.

He told me that it was better to be a leader that a follower. I am forever grateful for those lessons.”

Contestants know shows never start late. Insiders can confirm that Stoute fired a drummer not for playing a wrong beat or drum. His crime? He was 20 minutes late and never called to say he had a transportation problem.

This Richard Stoute Teen Talentcompetition is a family affair. Parents assist with the programme

Discipline and respect are some of the core values taught in workshops.

Stoute is not alone. Garnett Ashby mentored a youthful Sir Garry. Mentorship works. Today, too many fires smolder.

Barbados, to see the smoke and not fetch a bucket of water is a crime.