90 students complete Royal SVG Police Band summer programme

Ninety students received certificates of participation at the conclusion of the recently held Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band summer programme.

The programme, which was held under the theme: “Building minds {{more}}through the art of music,” came to a close on Saturday, August 22, at the Old Montrose Police Station.

The programme began on July 21.

Giving an overview of the programme, bandmaster Inspector Bernard Haynes said the programme is of a high standard and in great demand. He noted that to date, the police band has trained over 631 students since the inception of the summer programme over eight years ago.

“Some of them are now playing in school bands and steel orchestras throughout the country,” he said.

In the first week of the programme, the students were taught how to hold and take care of instruments and how to produce sound.

“In the first week, some of them were playing songs. This was remarkable. To learn music, it takes some people years and some of them still can’t play after many years of trying. This was amazing,” he added.

Haynes noted that the programme met its objective and gave the students a sound start in pursuing a career in music.

The students were also taught lessons on road safety, discipline, health and family life, substance abuse, safety at sea and African drumming.

Haynes urged parents to spend time with their children and steer them in the right direction.

“During the programme, some of the children were aggressive and rude. Some might be vex with me for saying this, but it’s a fact. It’s an observation and I’m appealing to the parents to take charge of them; bring them up in the right way…,” the police inspector said, adding that he saw improvements in the students’ attitudes towards the end of the programme.

Featured speaker, director of the SVG Community College Nigel Scott urged the students to be sharp and disciplined and continue to make a difference wherever they are.

“Never, ever, forget that it is not about how pretty you look outside. It is not about the amount of make-up you put on. It is not about the trousers you wear… the best of you is always going to be on the inside… What matters most is what’s on the inside.

“Be honest, trustworthy, be kind, be polite. Good morning, good afternoon are still the best words anyone can ever hear. Make your mark and make it a positive mark. Leave a mark that leaves people smiling…,” Scott stated.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Reynold Hadaway also shared brief remarks at the Saturday’s event.

During the closing ceremony, the students played steelpan, danced, drummed, sang and played several instruments.(KW)