Prime Minister and parliamentary Representative for North Windward Dr Ralph Gonsalves has disclosed that he will be making resources available to the South Rivers Police Youth Club to provide food hampers for elderly persons{{more}} and shut-ins in South Rivers over the Christmas holidays.

Prime Minister Gonsalves made the announcement on November 25, while delivering the feature address at the official launch of the South Rivers Police Youth Club at South Rivers Methodist School hard court.

“I want the Police Youth Club in South Rivers to do something for Christmas. Get the names of all old people and shut-ins. I’ll provide the resources for a food hamper. I want the leadership to come and talk about that,” said Gonsalves.

He encouraged the members of the club to be disciplined in their schoolwork, saying that he is expecting to see better results.

The prime minister asked students residing in South Rivers, who are sitting exams at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and associate degree levels in 2013 to use the Christmas vacation wisely, by putting aside adequate time for their studies.

He also suggested that persons in the performing arts hone their artistic and drama skills, so that they will be able to take advantage of training opportunities in the Caribbean.

He said that he has instructed that light be placed at the new playing field at South Rivers so that this can serve as a focal point for the community.

The prime minister also announced that millions of dollars will be spent in 2013 to refurbish the South Rivers hydro-electricity plant, which has been in existence for over 50 years, as well as the one at Richmond which is 50 years old.

Gonsalves, who is also Minister of National Security, also thanked Sir Vincent Beache, advisor to that ministry, Permanent Secretary Godfred Pompey, Commissioner of Police Keith Miller and Assistant Superintendent of Police Jonathan Nichols for their contribution in development and implementation of security initiatives targeting the youth.

PC Decon Chewitt, district co-ordinator of the South Rivers Police Youth Club, said after hearing about the formation of the Police Youth Club, he became enthusiastic and held a meeting with national coordinator Sergeant Cecile McMaster, where he received all the necessary materials and advice.

Chewitt said that shortly after, with the help of parents Harriett Nedd and Jasmine Campbell, a recruitment drive was started throughout South Rivers and the club was established on April 25, 2012.

“In our effort to fight crime, parents, we do not want you to be living in fear like prisoners in your homes and within the community, while our children and their peers take over the homes and street concerns with criminal activity.

“I say no! Let us all rally in policing our community to make it free from all crime and violence,” Chewitt said.

Sergeant Cecile McMaster also delivered remarks.

The Police Band, the Questelles and South Rivers Police Youth Clubs, Potential Steel Orchestra and South Rivers Methodist School performed.

(Police Public Relations & Complaints Dept.)