Youth urged to register for one of various RSVGFP Summer programmes

Youth who want to learn to play an instrument like the saxophone or pan, explore tourist sites in St Vincent and the Grenadines or learn about safety at sea can enroll in any of the summer programmes offered by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

Under the Ministry of National Security, the RSVGPF hosts a number of summer programmes for children each year.

During a press conference last Thursday, Inspector Junior Simmons, the head of the public relations and complaints department said that the force strongly believes in the potential and abilities of the youth in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

“That’s why there are no other organizations that organizes more summer programmes in a given year that is geared towards the nurturing and development of the young people than the RSVGPF,” he said.

Simmons also said that this year’s summer programmes will he held under the theme “Stimulating and nurturing young minds during the summer time.”

Summer programmes held by the RSVGPF include the Police Band summer programme, the Police Youth Club summer camp, the Pan Against Crime programme and the Coast Guard summer programme.

Seargeant Vaughn Miller, a member of the Police Force Band said that the programme is slated to begin on July 23 and end on August 24. He added that it caters to youths 15 to 19 years of age.

Miller said that participants will be exposed to instruments such as the clarinet, saxophone, side drum sets, steel pans and the keyboard.

The programme will be held at the Police Band Room at Largo Height at a cost of $10 and application forms may be acquired at the Police Headquarters.

Nicola Evans, the director of the National Commission on Crime Prevention announced that the Pan Against Crime initiative will host 13 programmes across the entire country. “It is not just playing pan,” she said. “We are also having little talks; short presentations during the day with the students.”

Evans said that unlike previous years, the programmes will run every day for two weeks.

The Pan Against Crime programme at schools in the Leeward and Union Island areas will begin on July 23 and end on August 3, while the programme in the Windward area will begin on August 6 and end on August 17.

For the $20 cost of registration and an additional $60, participants of the Police Youth Club camp can enjoy hiking, drama, community service and a host of other activities.

“We try to teach them new things at our camp, to develop social skills, face challenges and learn the value of hard work, to build characters, foster independence,” said Corporal Loraine John.

John said the camp is mainly for youths already a part of the club but that it is also open to others, as long as they meet the necessary requirements.

The camp will take place over a one-week period at the Buccament Bay Secondary School from July 22 to July 30.

Other youths who may not want to hike but are interested in safety at sea, personal development and boat handling might enjoy the Coast Guard summer programme.

Petty Officer Damian Franklyn said that the programme has three phases and will run from July 15 to August 31 at the Coast Guard base in Calliaqua.

“The objective of the programme is to expose participants to safety at sea, first aid, swimming and life saving techniques. They will also be exposed to leadership and personal development skills and we will also provide participants with information about the coast guard on being a possible career choice,” Franklyn said.

Persons seeking more information may contact the Coast Guard base.