| Youth raise voices against social problems |
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| Written by Gordon French | |
| Wednesday, 09 January 2008 | |
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‘Lifting voices In Unison’ at the Festival Grounds on Tuesday January 1, saw several local youth groups participating in the first ever Stop the Violence Campaign Concert powered by the Youth in Focus Committee led by businessman Lesmore Smith. The concert was free and so too were food and drinks. Just as the event got started, a catfight between two young ladies over what appeared to be one of the male performers, threatened to mar the event. After a brief interruption, the event continued with appeals from MC, ZROD FM radio personality
Smith hailed the event as a huge success as it fulfilled its objectives of promoting positive lifestyle while noting that the attendance was satisfactory. The lineup of performances featured Krown Heightz, Real Talk, Hood Boyz, Vietnom Soldierz, DTM Boyz, Premier Boyz, Mahtic, Lance, LJ, Oregge Boyz, Straight Hood and CB4 Lyfe. Diamond Girl was the lone female solo act, performing the first song she penned. Most of the music featured hip-hop and rap lyrics, with some songs bordering on profanity. Smith acknowledged that the committee had foreseen such problems and had sternly warned the performers to “keep it clean”.
Making a direct reference to the minor squabble, Smith clearly stated that is ample proof that there is more need to educate the island’s youth about life’s challenges and how to approach them. Smith said he is committed to youth development and plans to hold the event annually with the possible participation of international artists. He admitted that he alone cannot achieve the goal of shaping youth development and noted the need for parents to get involved. “In my days, some adult was always there regardless of where we went…the parents have withdrawn so much that they are being more protective instead of getting involved in their children’s activities,” Smith said. He revealed bold plans to approach the Government with a plan that once successful will release funds to help groups to record their music and hopefully create a financial turnaround. Fundraisers are also planned this year to promote the venture. “I made a commitment when I contested the elections that win or lose, I will not forsake the youths and that I will make every effort to redirect them to a positive life,” Smith stated. Comments (0)
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“It was difficult to stop the groups in the midst of their performances, but we will meet with them shortly to encourage them to produce clean lyrics. In fact we may need to have a professional come in and to help them with their arrangements so that there will be no more name calling, slandering and gun violence contained in the lyrics,” Smith stated. 
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