Coast Guard youth programme in high gear

Tomorrow, July 30, the second batch of students in the Coast Guard Youth Development Programme winds up its training.

Some 40 participants in each batch benefited from the exercise, sponsored by Sagicor and the National Commercial Bank this year.{{more}}

The activities will continue throughout the holidays with one other batch slated for the Coast Guard Base at Calliaqua.

At an opening ceremony Monday July 18, Chief Petty Officer Vinton John outlined that 100 persons were earmarked for the original venture, but that owing to the demand, the number on each batch had to be adjusted.

This is the 12th year that the Youth Development Programme has been held, and CPO John underlined that the venture has been beneficial to the youngsters.

Five members of the Coast Guard had their introduction to the seas while participating in the programme.

The students have been exposed to a variety of Coast Guard related matters.

They learnt about the history of the Coast Guard, Navigation and Seamanship, Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention, small boat handling, conflict resolution, safety at sea, knots and splices, human sexuality, solid waste management, as well as Social and Professional etiquette.

This group of participants will round off their training with practical sessions at sea tomorrow.

CPO John endorsed the venture as being specially applicable to youths. He noted that some youngsters were prone to acts of deviance, with the proliferation of gangs and related activity not only nation wide but globally.