The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band’s youth programme received a boost, on Friday, with a donation of musical instruments.
The musical instruments were donated through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Juvenile Justice Reform Project (JJRP).
The donation includes audio and sound equipment, a guitar, and a keyboard.
Commissioner of Police, Colin John, expressed thanks to all stakeholders in the project.
John said projects like these form a nexus between the Ministry of National Mobilisation and the RSVGPF.
“Juvenile justice and reforming of juveniles is integral in our fight against crime…,” John said.
He said that when youth are gainfully employed or have skills to develop themselves meaningfully, there a direct reduction in issues relating to crime.
He credited the late bandleader ASP Daniel Hall for bringing the idea to life and noted that it fits into the crime prevention initiative.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilisation Nerissa Gittens said that youths in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will benefit from the project.
“We’re training individuals — young people — giving them a start… They would also have the necessary discipline that goes along with the training, which is one of things we are striving for.”
Gittens thanked those involved in the musical instruments, adding that she has confidence that the items will be taken care of.
Band Master Station Sergeant Verne Miller told the gathering that the instruments are tools to help youths keep away from violence and crime.
Miller reassured Gittens that the instruments will be taken care of and will be used for the purpose for which they were given.
C. Prescott & Sons Ltd. procured the musical instruments and was represented by Cyril Prescott during the presentation ceremony at the Police Band Room at Old Montrose.
RSVGPF Chaplain Pastor Adolphus Isaacs delivered the blessing on the musical instruments.