Youths benefit from Coastguard summer programme

Last Saturday saw the closing ceremony of the Coastguard’s Youth Development Summer Programme, which this year recorded the most participants since the inception of the programme.{{more}}

The programme, which ran from July 16 to August 23, involved 125 participants, who ranged in age from 14 to 19 years.

Participants entertained the audience of family, friends and well-wishers with song, dance and drama performances before receiving their certificates of completion.

During the summer programme, participants were coached in a variety of areas, including personal development, safety at sea, conflict handling, human sexuality, social and professional etiquette, and boat handling — among others.

One of the sponsors, Sunsail Tours, also treated participants to a day tour of the Tobago Cays.

Other sponsors were Sagicor and Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Stanley Browne, the representative of Sagicor, expressed his pleasure at the successful collaboration between the corporate sector and law enforcement “for the good of the nation”.

He also congratulated the participants on completing the programme, and urged them to apply what they had learnt in their everyday lives.

“I want to encourage you …to learn to work in teams,” said Browne. “Do not underestimate this lesson … Your life will grow richer when you realise [that] it’s not all about you … [you] achieve more when you work together!”

In welcome remarks, Lt Deon Henry reminded the participants that the success they attain in their lives is solely dependent on their input.

“Men are only great if they are determined to be so,” he said.

Henry further explained that the summer programme, which was founded by Lt Tyrone James in 1993, has “impacted positively” on the lives of many who participated over the years.

He also pointed out that the summer programme not only equips participants with useful life skills, but also presents being part of the Coastguard as a viable career option.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Reynold Hadaway also gave remarks. He commended the programme’s founder and those who have worked hard since to make the programme a reality each year; and also praised the corporate sector for its involvement.

Hadaway congratulated the participants, and encouraged them to apply what they have learnt to their lives in a positive way.

“I am confident that you will not deviate from the values instilled in you by the programme and your parents,” he said.

“We all have a role to play in nation building … If we don’t, who will?”

Lidia Williams, the representative of the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines, also gave brief remarks.(JV)