PM Gaston Browne Criticizes Skin Bleaching Among Youth, Calls for Stronger Parental Guidance
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has voiced deep concern over the growing trend of skin bleaching among the nation’s youth, linking it to a broader decline in societal values and a lack of parental guidance. In a recent address, Browne highlighted the troubling behavior as part of a wider crisis affecting young people, particularly those involved in criminal activities.
During his remarks, PM Browne pointed to the prevalence of skin bleaching as an alarming indicator of how disconnected some young people have become from their cultural identity and self-worth. “By some of them bleaching their skin, they’re essentially rejecting who they are,” Browne stated. He connected this phenomenon to a broader mindset among certain youth who are also involved in criminal behavior, seeking “easy money” rather than pursuing honest work.
Browne emphasized that this trend, along with the refusal to engage in hard work, reflects a significant “value disconnect” within society. “They don’t care about the value of hard work or the rule of law,” he said, describing how some young people openly admit to preferring illegal activities over legitimate employment. “Some of them tell you they prefer to rob than to go and work.”
The Prime Minister underscored the role of parents in addressing these issues, arguing that many are failing to instill the right values in their children. He criticized parents who overlook or even accept their children’s criminal behavior and their use of skin bleaching products, which he sees as part of a broader rejection of self-respect and societal norms. “I believe our parents are actually the weakest link within the society right now,” Browne asserted, adding that the lack of parental intervention is contributing to the rise in criminal activities and other destructive behaviors.
In response to these challenges, PM Browne announced plans to enhance the government’s efforts to rehabilitate troubled youth. He outlined initiatives including the expansion of the prison farm for skills training and the construction of a juvenile detention facility at the Defense Force, where young offenders will engage in agriculture and other skills development programs. These measures, he said, are part of a commitment to reduce recidivism and rehabilitate those who have strayed into criminality.
Additionally, Browne indicated that the government is considering legal changes to hold parents more accountable for their children’s actions. He suggested that parents who fail to guide their children properly might face legal consequences, such as fines, as part of a broader effort to restore societal values.
PM Browne’s remarks come amid increasing concern over the influence of foreign beauty standards and the erosion of cultural identity among young people. His call for stronger parental involvement and a renewed focus on cultural pride highlights the government’s broader strategy to combat youth crime and reinforce positive values within society.
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