The North Village Community Club would like to take this opportunity to address the recent public statements made by Coach Andrew Bascome and his brother David Bascome.
Andrew and David are sons of the soil at North Village, from the days of the desert and Harold “Doc” Dowling. We are extremely proud of both of these men for what they have accomplished on and off the field, but particularly for having the immense courage and bravery to publicly announce the horrific events of their past. This was not an easy task for anyone, and we at North Village Community Club stand beside Andrew and David as they continue their healing process after more than 30 years of silence.
We are here to continue to support both Andrew and David in any way that we possibly can. As President Shervin Dill reached out to both Andrew and David last night to convey our support and prayers in the healing process for both and to let them know that we stand strong and firm beside them moving forward. Both Andrew and David expressed gratitude to the Club for not only being there in a time of need but also in being there for them on their life journey and helping shape them into the fine gentlemen they are today.
We also encourage others who have been afflicted by similar pain and suffering to come forward because through courage, strength and community support, we can directly address this kind of disgusting, antisocial behavior.
At North Village Community Club we strive to support the protection of our greatest asset, our children. We continue to ensure that our Board members, administrators and coaching staff are trained and aware of the necessary measures to protect our children. In 2012 North Village Community Club mandated that all coaches and Board members were fully trained and SCARS certified in sexual abuse prevention. In doing so, North Village Community Club became the first sporting organization to make it mandatory for its coaches and Board of Directors to be certified in such a manner on such an emotive, sensitive issue. The recertification with SCARS has been planned for the first quarter of 2017 with the addition of our Team Administrators and additional volunteers.
Through solid awareness and SCARS education, we believe that our children will be better served in a safe and productive environment. We are committed to this and believe that our programs continue to serve the Bermuda community to the best of our ability. We will never take the safety and security of our children for granted and will do everything in our power to ensure their care and nurture.
North Village Community Club also stand beside SCARS in calling upon government to take the lead in ensuring the safety and security of our vulnerable and also of implementing stringent, robust procedures in dealing with what is a very sensitive but important issue, as highlighted by SCARS Chairman Jon Brunson in recent weeks.
North Village Community Club send a very clear message to those who have even a fleeting thought about inappropriate behaviors and thoughts towards our children – STAY AWAY FROM OUR FIELD. We are now far better prepared, thanks in part to our partnership with SCARS, to identify suspicious individuals and behaviors and you will NEVER be welcomed at our club.
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