Cops tell youth: Stay on the right path

by Shamar Blunt

Parents on the island are being reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure their children avoid the wrong
path in life.

This plea came from Acting Senior Superintendent of the Royal Barbados Police Force Bruce Rowe as he addressed graduates of the Prince’s Trust International Team Programme, which recently ended. The initiative is tailored to young people who are currently unemployed and are interested in ways to improve their decision-making skills and leadership qualities.

While congratulating the young participants for their hard work during the 12-week programme, he cautioned parents and guardians to pay close attention to those children in their care who may need more guidance.

“I have children, yes I have children. All of us here always want the best for them. But you know sometimes when they go wayward or wary, we sometimes neglect to take the time to talk to them and to guide them. Sometimes we give up too easily. I am thankful today for the intervention of the Prince’s Trust program, and the way the Royal Barbados Police Force has taken it on board and made it a part of our policing program. [It] shows everyone that policing is not just to lock up the criminal element, policing is to help others to succeed in life. These 16 [participants] are a testament to that this evening,” he said.

Team leader for the group of candidates during the course of the programme, Constable Keisha-Anne Powell, also congratulated the participants on a job well done and encouraged them to continue along the journey of self-development and growth.

“I hope that the knowledge and the experience you have gained over the past 12 weeks will last you for a lifetime and impact positively on your lives. I implore you to follow your dreams. You are all intelligent young persons and I am confident that you will be successful individuals,” she insisted. (SB)