Voices from the Streets Part 61; The Value of Positive Guidance

Voices from the Streets Writer, Nixon Dickenson (right) with Giovanni Astwood

By Nixon Dickenson

In this week’s Voices from the Streets, I am excited to share the perspective of Giovanni Astwood, a young man I am proud to call my nephew. Giovanni is currently studying at Valencia University, pursuing degrees in Business and Project Management and Drafting.

During our conversation about the root causes of crime in our society, Giovanni offered some thought-provoking insights. He referenced the powerful phrase “emancipate yourself from mental slavery” from Bob Marley’s iconic song Redemption Song. Giovanni explained that this message calls on listeners to free their minds from oppressive and limiting ways of thinking.

He emphasized that young people need authentic leadership and positive guidance. While many adults urge youths to make better choices, Giovanni believes that too often, those same adults fail to lead by example. He stressed that everyone, regardless of status, requires positive guidance, which cannot come from a negative, fixed, or stagnant mindset.

 True guidance, he said, flows from a positive, transformed, and growth-oriented mindset. Beyond mindset, Giovanni highlighted education as one of the most effective tools for freedom. He expressed concern over the growing number of young people turning to drugs and alcohol as an escape, warning that this path leads only to an unfulfilled life devoid of purpose.

One of the most pressing issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Giovanni noted, is the prevalence of broken homes, which often results in abandonment and emotional neglect. Yet, he encourages young people not to see themselves as victims but as victors, reminding them that while life may deal them bad hands, they hold the power of choice to shape their future. Giovanni acknowledged that many broken systems hinder youth productivity, but he also pointed out that functional systems do exist.

He urged young people to seek out these resources and models of success to get the help they need. In today’s world, he said, youth require mental support and structures that help them discover their identity, build self-awareness, and receive emotional support, especially where it is lacking. Finally, Giovanni shared his belief that young people are still searching for their voices. They deserve opportunities to learn from positive guidance so they can become the best versions of themselves.

A Call to Action

Change starts with us today. If you are a parent, mentor, educator, or community leader, don’t wait for someone else to step up. Be the example our youth need. Offer your time, your wisdom, and your support. Advocate for programs that build resilience, education, and mental health resources. Speak up when you see broken systems and help create solutions. Every conversation, every act of guidance, every moment of encouragement matters. Our youth are the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Let’s invest in them now, before it’s too late; let’s choose to invest in our youth.

I want to thank my nephew Giovanni for being a voice of positive change. Your voice is a powerful reminder that when young people speak, we must listen. Keep striving, keep inspiring, and continue to lead with purpose—you are making a difference.