Sergeant Kim Harris is the recipient of a Vocational Service Award by the Rotary Club of Barbados South, in recognition of the outstanding work of the Juvenile Liaison Scheme in the development of young Barbadians.
Harris, 52, was presented with the award at the recent 37th Charter Night and Vocational Service Awards Ceremony held at Hotel PomMarine in Christ Church.
“We have been able to make that worthwhile contribution to our young persons’ development,” said Harris, who handles the day-to-day operations of the Scheme. “I have seen young persons who have been challenged become young adults with families. Some of them are entrepreneurs,” she noted.
Sergeant Harris said the support of the current and past commissioners of police was key in maintaining the integrity of the Juvenile Liaison Scheme. She added the award was also in recognition of the work of the Scheme’s staff, including Inspector Roger Babb and Station Sergeant Jamal Mohan. Inspector Babb is in charge of the Juvenile Liaison Scheme, the Prince Trust department, and community policing.
Established in July 1983, the Scheme is a programme for males and females aged seven to 16 and aims to divert youth from the criminal justice system. There is an occupational therapist on hand at its Bridgetown offices. Young people are educated in such areas as building self-esteem, anger management, and conflict resolution.
The Rotary Club of Barbados sponsored the Youth Elevation Scheme in 2020.
The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) represented by President Dr Lynda Williams and Shanelle Rice, founder of the charity, Jabez House, which offers support to sex workers, also received Vocational Service Awards. (HH)
