Pan against crime celebrates 12

THE PAN against Crime Committee (PAC) will mark its 12 year anniversary with a community concert on March 1 at Retreat, Vermont commencing at 4:30 pm.

The committee said in a release, that the programme will begin with a session of praise, worship and exhortation led by the Penniston Apostolic Faith Mission Church, and will also feature performances by the Police Band, Symphonix and Epic Steel Orchestras.

Additionally, cultural performances will be done by students of the Dubois Primary school, and the Buccament Bay Secondary school, as well as the Police Youth Clubs within the district. During the event, the Vermont Police Youth Club would be officially launched.

Commissioner of Police, Colin John, and Deputy Chair of the Pan against crime committee, La Teisha Sandy, are among persons listed to make remarks, while Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonalves, will deliver the feature address.

The committee said it will be collaborating with the sports against

crime committee to organize a number of sporting events during the concert.

The Pan Against Crime initiative, was launched on February 20, 2008 with the main objective being to utilize the steel pan as a means of positively channelling and harnessing the skills and engergies of young people, and to mitigate against the possibility of them being caught up in criminal activities.

Since the 2008 launch, 15 steel bands have been formed in several communities and schools throughout the state, with direct benefits to more than 4000 young people.

The initiative, led by the Prime Minister, was undertaken in conjunction with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), the You Lou Pan Movement and the then Social Investment Fund (SIF).

The theme is “Play a Pan, Arrange a song, Build the mind, Down with Violence and Crime”