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Youths in conflict with the law, those in care and protection, and other youths are to benefit from a donation of musical instruments to the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) Band.

Commissioner John & P.S. Mc Millan

The RSVGPF Band received a complement of instruments through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Juvenile Justice Reform Project (JJRP).  Items donated include audio and sound equipment, guitar and keyboard, among others.

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… when youths are gainfully employed or they are in possession of ways of meaningfully developing themselves", John highlighted, you can see a direct reduction in issues relating to crime.  He credited the late band leader ASP Daniel Hall for bringing the idea to life and noted that it fits into their crime prevention initiative.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, Nerissa Gittens, disclosed that youths in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will benefit from the project, "we're training individuals -- young people -- giving them a stat. They would also have the necessary discipline that goes along with the training which is one of the things we are striving for."  Gittens thanked all who made the sourcing of the musical instruments possible and said she has confidence that the items will be taken care of.

Band Master Station Sergeant Verne Miller, during the vote of thanks, told the gathering that the instruments are tools to help youths keep away from violence and crime.  Miller reassured Permanent Secretary Gittens that the "instruments will be taken care of and will be used very much for the purpose to which they were given to us".

Station Sergeant Verne Miller

C. Prescott & Sons Ltd procured the musical instruments and had representation from Cyril Prescott.  RSVGPF Chaplain Pastor Adolphus Isaacs delivered the blessing on the musical instruments. 

Cyril Prescott

The handover took place on Friday, 24th April, 2020, at the RSVGPF Band Room, Old Montrose.


SOURCE: Agency For Public Information