GREAT BAY--Staff of Judicial and Institutional Services (J&IS) accompanied six young male residents of the J&IS Youth Residential Home to the launch of Castel Abraham's book,The Healing Man, on Sunday, November 1, at the Belair Community Center in Cay Hill. Their attendance was sponsored by Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg, allowing the young men to participate in an evening dedicated to emotional healing, personal responsibility, healthy masculinity and the importance of breaking harmful generational patterns.
Held under the theme "Healing the Inner Boy So the Man Can Thrive," the event explored how childhood experiences can influence emotions, behavior, relationships and decision-making later in life. The discussions encouraged men and boys to acknowledge personal struggles, seek support when necessary and understand that emotional healing is an important part of developing healthier relationships with themselves, their families and the wider community.
During the launch, Abraham shared his personal experiences with therapy and explained how confronting unresolved childhood experiences helped him recognize patterns in his behavior and relationships. He spoke about the importance of accepting feedback, acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility for personal change. Abraham also reflected on the roles of faith, professional support and honest communication in his journey, emphasizing that seeking help should not be viewed as a weakness.
Speaking directly to the young people in attendance, Abraham encouraged them to assess their current circumstances, recognize their emotions and consider the direction they want their lives to take. He suggested identifying personal goals, writing them down and seeking guidance from trusted individuals who could help them achieve those objectives. The conversation also addressed anger, rejection, peer pressure, identity and uncertainty about the future, offering the young residents practical messages about accountability, self-awareness and making positive choices.
The event featured a panel of men, including Giovanni Olivacce, Jamal Newton, Patrick Maccow, Charles Thomas, Dominique Cabey and Ralph Cantave, who shared experiences and perspectives on issues such as abuse, addiction, relationships and intimacy. The panelists also discussed resources and support available to individuals facing personal difficulties. Psychologist Zoya Hyman and Dr. Tasheena Thomas-Maccow moderated the discussions, while Audra Cabey served as Master of Ceremonies.
For J&IS, the event provided an opportunity to reinforce important aspects of the guidance offered to young people in residential care. Recognizing emotions, managing frustration, respecting personal boundaries and understanding healthy relationships are among the areas addressed through the institution's developmental approach. Hearing adult men openly discuss vulnerability, accountability and personal challenges gave the residents examples of how individuals can confront difficult experiences and make changes in their lives.
Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg, who sponsored the young men's participation, said she welcomed the initiative from the outset because of its focus on issues affecting young men, families and the wider community. Having received a formal invitation to attend the launch, Roseburg expressed her willingness to support the effort and help ensure that young people who could benefit from the discussions were included.
"From the moment I received the invitation, I was ready to team up with this initiative because the issues being addressed are closely connected to matters I care deeply about. We speak often about the challenges facing our young men, but we must also create opportunities for them to receive guidance, understand their emotions and recognize that their past does not have to determine their future. Supporting the attendance of these six young men was one way I could contribute to that effort. I believe initiatives like this deserve our involvement, not simply our encouragement," Roseburg said.
Following the event, J&IS submitted a request for a separate session between Abraham and the young residents of the Youth Residential Home. The proposed meeting would provide an opportunity for the young men to ask questions arising from the discussions and explore the subjects in a smaller setting that allows for more direct interaction. Such engagement could help reinforce the lessons shared during the launch and provide additional guidance on personal development, emotional well-being and future goals.
J&IS expressed appreciation to Roseburg for sponsoring the residents' attendance and thanked Abraham, the panelists, moderators, Master of Ceremonies and organizers for creating an opportunity to address subjects that are often difficult to discuss openly. The organization emphasized the importance of connecting young people with experiences that encourage reflection, responsibility and personal growth.
The participation of the six residents highlights the value of community initiatives that create space for conversations about mental and emotional well-being, particularly among young men. Through continued engagement with community partners and professionals, J&IS remains committed to providing opportunities that support the personal development of young people in its care and encourage them to build healthier relationships and make positive decisions for their future.
