In an exclusive interview with SNO, Blackheart Founder, David “Shakes” Christopher says young men’s recent interest in gang and criminal activity is a major concern for the organiSation’s members. This year, Blackheart’s tournaments will shift focus in a bid to help divert youth - particularly young men - away from crimes. Hosted under the mantra, “Shoot Goals, Not Bullets”, Christopher says the organisation will be spreading positivity to the people of Vieux Fort.
“We’re trying to tell the young people “You can, You can, You can”. For this year’s tournament, the tagline is “Shoot Goals, Not Bullets”. We went into the Bruceville Area, to Shanty Town, to West Side, and spoke to the different [groupings] of young men,” Christopher told SNO. “We told them this life of crime isn’t beneficial, the whole world is watching us, and we need to get it right. Let’s use Blackeart 2023 for peace and unity because people will be watching us and we need to set a better example.”
Christopher says Blackheart understands it has a responsibility to contribute positively to Saint Lucian society. Twenty-six years since the inception of the games, Christopher says it was time to modify its objective.
“We took a different switch now and we’re trying to make our contribution towards the citizens of Saint Lucia, especially with the crime and the non-confidence in young people,” he says.
Since the commencement of this year’s games, he says, the community has collaborated to make the events a success. “Big up Vieux Fort and Dr. Kenny Anthony who gave us some extra security. We had security both inside and outside to preserve the peace - not a fight, not a scratch, happened last night [13th September, 2023]. We’re pushing positivity and love among young people.”
The government, through the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, has partnered with various agencies to increase the number of social programmes geared at engaging youngsters in constructive activity. Youth Minister, Hon. Kenson Casimir, has called for all all-hands-on-deck, multi-sectoral approach to the issues of youth delinquency the island currently faces.