“Miller Squad” was crowned champions of the inaugural Paget Farm Police Youth Club’s (PYC) Spelling Bee Competition after edging out “James Squad” and “Mc Master Squad” into second and third place respectively.

The competition was held on Saturday, February 18, at the Paget Farm Community Center, a release from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said.

Marrianna Grant and Shamia Ollivierre represented Miller Squad, and amassed a total of 41 points. Nathalia Stowe and Kenniah Hazell of James Squad earned 27 points, while Odelia Compton and Miesha Ollivierre of McMaster Squad scored 20 points to earn the third place spot.

The participants were drawn from Grades 5 and 6 of the Paget Farm Government School.

“The competition is all about youth empowerment. It is just one way of helping to build the confidence of young people as they transition into adulthood. We are seeking to create a platform to build their self-esteem,” said Sunior Ollivierre, the District co-ordinator of the Paget Farm PYC.

Ollivierre said the naming of the participating squads was in honour of retired police officers who played a significant role in the life of the club. James Squad honours retired station sergeant of police, Meldon James who was the founder of the Paget Farm PYC.

Mc Master Squad is in honour of retired police sergeant, Cecile Mc Master who was the first National co-ordinator to meet with the Paget Farm PYC; and Miller Squad honours retired Commissioner of Police,Keith Miller, under whose tenure the club was officially inducted.

The National co-ordinator of Police Youth Clubs, sergeant Stephen Billy was on hand to witness and lend support to the event. He congratulated Sunior Ollivierre, the participants, and the members of Paget Farm PYC for hosting the event. Noting that the participants were all females, the National co-ordinator said he would love to see some male participants at the next competition.

The participants received school supplies as prizes.