Prince’s Trust International spruces up Sayes Court

by Anesta Henry

Residents of Sayes Court, Christ Church, now have a refurbished community park to use for recreational purposes.

The work, which involved getting the facilities in top shape, was carried out by participants of the Prince’s Trust International programme. The participants handed over the park back to the residents during a brief ceremony today.

Acting Inspector Roland Cobbler, Delivery Manager for Barbados’ branch of the programme, said this batch of participants decided that refurbishing the community park at Sayes Court was a worthwhile project because they believe that enhancing the environment in the community would stimulate community spiritedness between the young and old residents, in addition to creating positive influences for the youth.

“Based on what is happening in our society today, we the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF)  strongly believe that creating opportunities for our youth will then [turn] them from criminal activities, antisocial behaviour, and assist them in becoming positive members of our society,” Cobbler said.

Team leader Constable Chad Linton said in order to raise the funds to carry out the project, the participants washed cars and sold drinks, raising just over $800 which was used to purchase necessary materials.

Constable Linton explained that there were several donations from generous Barbadians that assisted in the effort.

“I am sure that the participants are very proud of what they have been able to achieve and that it will act as a motivator as they move on in life whenever they feel that something cannot be done. At the end, based on what was produced, all the hard work was worth it when you marvel at this beautiful park” Constable Linton said.

Meanwhile, participant Anmarie Burrowes thanked those individuals and businesses that assisted with the journey, which she said started out as a plan, but ended successfully based on team work.

Burrowes admitted that the fundraising effort was not as easy as expected, but noted that at the end, the team was left satisfied and happy that they worked together to accomplish the task.

“We knew that it wouldn’t be an easy job, but when it was time to work, we did what needed to be done. We sanded the benches, the swings, and the slides. We also replaced everything that needed to be replaced with new ones, and we repainted everything. The fundraising event and rebuilding of the park was exhausting, but at the same time it was a wonderful experience,” she said.

Acting Inspector Cobbler further explained that the RBPF, in conjunction with the registered charity which is headquartered in England, facilitated the 12-week personal development programme to assist young people who are unemployed and not engaged in any formal aspect of educational and vocational training.

Cobbler said the Force sees the programme as a significant initiative since it provides Police Officers with an additional strategy to engage the youth.

“What is even more essential is that the programme targets young people between the ages of 16 to 25, which our statistics are suggesting are more likely to become involved in criminal behaviour,” Cobbler said.

(anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb)