Paget Farms youths say no to drugs, violence, illiteracy

by Denika Compton Tue, Sept 7, 2010

“No to drugs, No to violence, No to illiteracy” was the theme of the recently concluded Paget Farm Youth Development Programme.{{more}}

The summer programme, which involved mostly soccer, drama and exercise, was aimed at preventing persons from falling victim to the negative influences affecting the society.

Co-ordinator of the programme, Corporal 315 Meldon James said: “As time changes, so are the cultures we now live in. Moral values have taken a drastic step in the negative, and violence, crime, illicit sex, drugs, money laundering, the upsurge of violent gangs, the illegal sex trade and prostitution, have risen tremendously and are influencing and capturing the minds. Thus the moral fabric of our society is disintegrating slowly.”

He further stated that this generation is a carefree one with the get rich quick and do anything for money or wealth mentality. As a consequence of this approach towards life James is of the belief that the situation is causing serious stress on the youth, the law enforcement agencies,and the communities.

He said the most effective avenue to deal with all these problems is to have the nation live closer to God and do his will, to be involved in extra curricular activities such as sports, exercise and drama, where the highest standard of discipline and morality is maintained.

The programme ran from July 6 to August 28 and consisted of 41 persons: 11 females and 30 males, between the ages of 6 to 16 years.

According to James, 98 per cent of the individuals learnt the basic skills in football. The programme also encouraged them to be self-disciplined and confident.

Anger management was an area that the programme also sought to address.

Reflecting on the programme, James said that the only problem he had was that 90 per cent of the individuals were without footwear and proper training clothes.

He said that even though he financed most of the programme, thanks must be given to other sponsors such as Knights Trading Ltd, Bequia Venture, Gary Clark, Lady J, Aaron Sam from Bequia Pizza Hut, Mr. Walker from the Imperial Pharmacy, Junior Sports Minister Cecil Mckie and the St.Vincent Football Federation.

The programme ended with a prize giving ceremony with McKish Compton and Monize Gordon being adjudged the most outstanding persons in the programme.

James said that he will like the programme to be continued annually and efforts are being made to develop a community drama group.