On International Women’s Day 2013, a 15 year old, Form Four student of Success Laventille Secondary (SLSS) came out in support of an anti-bullying campaign initiated by her school. Lexine Duke, an amateur boxer in the school’s programme admitted to the large audience of her fellow students that she used to be a bully before getting involved in sport and changing her ways when she was introduced to boxing. In additional to becoming a Young Leader, she said, boxing helped me to be more confident, self-assured and a better person. Cheered on by her grandmother, Lexine urged her peers not to bully others but be helpful and supportive.

The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago is supporting the SLSS anti-bullying campaign in the hope that its success may be replicated in other youth-serving institutions. Speaking at Friday’s launch, the Honourable Anil Roberts, Minister of Sport recounted his own story of being ‘the odd one out’ while in England. Minister Roberts went on to highlight that once a person is determined to succeed, no obstacle is too difficult to overcome. In this vein, Minister Roberts pleaded with the students to ‘doh beat up’ on others and not use the easy approach by bullying. Instead, he advised, you should help and counsel the students those who you think are going down the wrong path.

The school hall, filled with first, fourth and fifth formers was entertained by a magnificent rendition of the national anthem on steelpan as well as soca stars Zuki and Tim Tim, who received rapturous applause. Lexine also gave a brief demonstration of her quick hands with the coach of the school boxing programme taking the punches.

The initiative was developed by the Young Leaders group at the school and along with Lexine, also features other young students who serve as role models for their peers, sending messages against bullying and for positive engagement in sporting and other activities. The Ministry of Sport and the Sports Company are pleased to be associated with a youth-led programme and pledge to give it all the necessary support to thrive.

Photo courtesy of The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago
Principal of SLSS Hamidah Baksh, Lexine Duke, Minister Anil Roberts in front of a large poster featuring Lexine outside the school.