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Today marks a significant milestone in your lives—a day that represents far beyond the completion of a program. It’s a moment that speaks to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to embrace change. You’ve been given a second chance, a rare and precious opportunity to redefine your future on your own terms.
Graduates, today is a turning point where you leave behind the shadows of the past and step into the light of new possibilities.
Each of you has faced challenges that could have easily defined your path. Yet, you chose to rise above them, to take the harder road, the one that leads to growth, self-improvement, and a better tomorrow. This program wasn’t easy—it required you to look in the mirror, confront your mistakes, and commit to making different choices. And today, as you sit here, you’ve shown – not only to yourselves but to everyone watching – that you are capable of remarkable change.
This second chance is much more than a reset button; it’s an opportunity to prove what you’re made of. It’s your moment to show your families, your communities, and your country that you are beyond the sum of your past actions.
You’ve demonstrated the courage to change, the strength to grow, and the determination to succeed.
This is your new beginning, your fresh start, and I want you to hold onto that with everything you’ve got.
Remember, the journey doesn’t end here. This is just the first step in a lifelong path of making choices that lead to a better, brighter future.
The foundation you’ve built during this program will carry you forward, but it’s up to you to keep building on it. The work you’ve done, the progress you’ve made—it all matters, and it all has the power to shape not just your own life, but the lives of those around you.
I want to take a moment to speak directly to two young men who have truly stood out in this program—Ronnie Hepburn and Jahmani Gardiner. Boys, I can’t tell you how proud I am of the strides you’ve made.
Ronnie, I’ve heard about your journey, and it’s nothing short of inspiring. You’ve come from a place where fights and disruption were all too common, and now you’re stepping up as a leader among your peers. That’s no small task.
You’ve shown everyone around you, including me, that you have the strength to turn things around. The way you’ve embraced discipline, how you speak now with respect and confidence — these are big changes, and I want you to know I see it, and I’m proud of you. Keep going, Ronnie. The young man you’re becoming is someone special.
And Jahmani, your story is just as powerful. I know you’ve had your struggles with anger and conflict, but look at how far you’ve come.
You’ve learned to control those feelings and put your energy into more positive things. Your improvements in school, in your behaviour, and the way you handle yourself — it’s clear you’ve taken this second chance to heart. Your dedication to showing up and putting in the work is a sign of the bright future ahead of you. Jahmani, I’m proud of the man you’re growing into. Keep at it.
Ronnie and Jahmani, you’ve shown everyone here today what’s possible when you commit to change. You’ve taken this chance and made it count, and I want you to carry that with you as you move forward. You’re both on the right path, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way. Remember, we’re all behind you, and we’re all so proud of what you’ve accomplished.
We are all just one decision away from a different life. As you stand here today, I want to remind you that this second chance you’ve been given is exactly that — an opportunity to make those decisions that can change everything. The power to shape your future is in your hands, and every choice you make from this moment forward will lead you down a path that can take you to places you never imagined.
This isn’t about celebrating what you’ve achieved so far; it’s about recognizing that the journey is only beginning. You’ve already shown that you have the strength and courage to make positive changes in your life. Now, it’s up to you to keep making those decisions that will keep you moving in the right direction.
The road ahead may have its challenges, but remember that every day is another chance to choose a better path, to be the person you want to become.
You’re not alone in this — your family, your community, and all of us here are standing with you, ready to support you as you continue to grow and succeed.
Take this second chance seriously. Use it to build a life that you can be proud of. You’ve shown that you have what it takes, and I believe in your ability to make the most of this opportunity. Keep making those good decisions, and you’ll find that the future you create will be one worth fighting for.
If there’s one thing I want you to walk away with today, it’s this: You have the power to change your life, and I believe in you with all my heart.
No matter what has happened in the past, today is a new beginning.
I want you to remember that you’re not alone in this journey—your family, your community, and your country are all standing behind you, ready to support you every step of the way.
I love you, and I’m counting on you to rise to the occasion. Your success isn’t just about you; it’s about the people who love you and the future of our nation. We need you to be strong, to make the right choices, and to show everyone what you’re capable of.
Please remember, no matter what challenges you face, you have the strength within you to overcome them. We believe in you, and we’re all rooting for you.
So, hold your head high, stay focused, and know that we’re all here to see you succeed. You’ve got this, and I’m here with you, every step of the way.
Before we close, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to the Commissioner of Police and ACP Chaswell Hannah. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to these young people have made all the difference. It’s because of leaders like you that programs like this are possible — programs that give our young people a second chance and a real shot at a brighter future.
Your efforts go beyond the call of duty, and I am deeply grateful for everything you’ve done. You’ve shown what it means to care for our community and to believe in the potential of every young person, no matter where they start. Thank you for your leadership, your compassion, and your tireless work in making this program a success.