Coast Guard Summer Programme instilling discipline in youths

The Coast Guard Summer Programme is said to be bearing fruit, especially in the area of instilling discipline among the youths, who in turn disseminate the information that is passed on to relatives and friends.{{more}}

Lieutenant Commander Brenton Cain shared these sentiments as he highlighted the successes of the Coast Guard’s youth programme over the past 14 years.

“Over 1000 persons have been trained since this programme was initiated, and while some young people are involved in crime, I can never recall one of those names being involved, as the records would show,” said Cain.

This year’s programme started on July 16, and had three phases over a three-week period, with 115 participants between the ages of 14-18.

The closing ceremony was scheduled for August 18, but had to be rescheduled to Saturday, August 25, because of the tropical storm that was affecting the country.

Cain said persons can use their training as a stepping-stone in pursuing a worthy career path in the maritime area. He made reference to seven persons who participated in the Summer Programmes in the past who are currently pursuing careers in the Coast Guard.

He used the opportunity to thank the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and SAGICOR for sponsoring the programme over the years. The Lieutenant Commander is appealing to the corporate society to join the two major sponsors in making a contribution to the youth.

The Lieutenant Commander said the Coast Guard is exploring the possibility of documenting the programme, so that the public can see the accomplishments over the years.

Vinton John, coordinator of the programme, said this year’s programme went according to plan.

John said participants were trained in First Aid, knots and splices, basic navigation, drug and substance abuse prevention, anger management, conflict resolution, personal development, professional etiquette and solid waste management.

Chief Petit Officer John expressed thanks for the invaluable support that Barbara Mathews and Jacinta James have rendered to the programme since its inception. These persons, he said, are also instrumental in getting facilitators for the programme. He said they have indicated that this year will be their last year of service, but he expressed the hope that efforts would be made to keep them.

“We have to give them the kudos,” said John, the programme co-coordinator for the past four years.

John said as the Coast Guard goes back to the drawing board, efforts will be made to revamp the programme as it caters for persons who are drawn from different backgrounds.

John noted that the participants appeared to enjoy the navigation sessions, and efforts will be made to initiate similar outdoor programmes to generate more interest.

The first Coast Guard Summer Programme started with 10 persons. Over the last few years, there has been an average of 100 persons attending the programme.

John believes that the programme has also granted Coast Guard officers an opportunity to develop their leadership skills as they handle their charges.(HN)