News

Youngsters Urged To Join Police Youth Clubs

Published

9 years ago

September 3, 2015

KINGSTON, Sept. 1 (JIS): The country’s young people are being encouraged to get involved in police youth clubs in order to bring about meaningful change in their lives and contribute to the progress of their communities.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB), Bishop Dr. Gary Welsh, says the clubs serve a positive purpose, by impacting the communities of which they are a part, while also developing the leadership skills of members.

“They help to harness young talent, with emphasis on leadership capabilities, social entrepreneurship and the adoption of a culture of lawfulness. Accountability and action is reinforced with participants being shown that individually, they can make a difference but collectively, the reach is far greater,” he tells JIS News.
There are 543 registered police youth clubs across the island, however, 30 per cent of them have become dormant due to falloff in membership, as persons migrate, pursue higher education or work, or they simply lose interest due to lack of effective programmes to keep them engaged.

Over the years, the clubs, located in the island’s 19 police divisions have been a conduit through which the JCF moulds and provides a positive influence on the young people of this country, instilling discipline, responsibility and respect for law and order, in order to steer them away from a life of crime.

In fact, many of the members have gone on to become members of the police force.
The clubs have successfully identified and developed the competencies of the youth and they contribute to their communities through engagement in activities such as caring for the elderly, adopting and improving basic schools, and hosting and engaging in sporting events.

The entrepreneurial skills of the members are also harnessed through engagement in small or micro business enterprises.

In Clarendon, for example, police youth clubs have been assisted with start-up businesses in order to become more self-sufficient.

With kind assistance from the Custos of the parish, Hon. William Shagoury, several clubs have received chickens and pigs to embark on income generating ventures.

“We try and help by giving them some layers. They (club members) would be ready to start making money within a month and a half. We give them the feed, the (feeding) pans and a lesson in taking care of the chickens. They build the coops and once the chickens start laying they are able to make a start,” he tells JIS News.

Mr. Shagoury says the programme started eight years ago and some clubs have been doing well.

One of the outstanding features of the police youth clubs is that they help to bridge the gap between the police and citizens. As the police works with the youngsters in the communities, hostilities are reduced, and trust is built, which goes a far way in addressing crime and violence.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Cornwall “Bigga” Ford, tells JIS News that the revival of clubs in the West Kingston division, which he heads, is bringing about positive change in the communities where they operate.
Since SSP Ford took over the reins in April, the Denham Town, Admiral Town, Trench Town and Rose Town police youth clubs have been revitalised.

SSP Ford says he feels encouraged by the re-organisation of the clubs. “Since I’ve been there I have revived all of them. We are getting membership and we have identified police leaders. I am enthused. There are a lot of young people with high quality leadership skills,” he tells JIS News.

“They are helping to pull in other young people. They have worked in the stations and they served as counsellors in the summer youth camps so there is an impact,” he adds.

SSP Ford notes that the clubs, which promote positive inclusion and meaningful engagement for the young people go a far way in eradicating the “informer” label, which prohibits meaningful, trustworthy relationships between citizens and police.

He says that the police, working with youth club leaders in community development initiatives and sporting activities such as football, has resulted in the retention of club membership.

“We have a five-a-side internal competition for the police and we allow the youth clubs to insert two teams in it. They are one of the finalists in that. We do not treat them differently. We are trying all kinds of things,” he notes.

A book drive for back-to-school was also initiated, he informs.

SSP Ford says he plans on engaging the business community to provide much-needed equipment and resources for the survival of the clubs.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the inactive clubs, SSP Karina Powell-Hood, who is attached to the CSSB Branch, tells JIS News that an assessment will be carried out to determine whether they can be revived.

She says to remain active, clubs need to put programmes in place that are dynamic and can keep members engaged.
She notes that young people tend to gravitate to organisations that involve activities such as sports.

Related Topics:jamaica police youth clubs

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News

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Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY

***MEDIA RELEASE***

May 18^th, 2024.

Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.

The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’.

During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.

In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.

Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.

The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.

A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Crime

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Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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