Juvenile Liaison Scheme’s camp comes to a close

A senior police officer is giving the assurance that the Juvenile Liaison Scheme will continue to make early interventions into the lives of at risk children and teens, so that they do not become part of the criminal justice system.

Inspector Stephen Griffith, who is in charge of Community Policing in the Royal Barbados Police Force, made the comments while addressing those attending the closing ceremony of the five-week summer camp programme, hosted by the Force’s Juvenile Liaison Scheme, held in Prince Cave Hall at the District A Complex.

“The criminal justice system is not one that you become a part of and is easy to escape. So these interventions – the camp, the tours, the various activities provided by the Juvenile Liaison Department – will enhance behaviours, will enhance abilities and assist parents in the development of their children,” he said.

Meanwhile, delivering the feature address, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Elphene Moore, told the camp’s participants that it’s a “very honoured privilege” to be chosen to attend the camp and to be embraced by the members of the Juvenile Liaison Scheme, and to become part of their family.

“A family where each individual is opened to making choices, where each individual has varying attributes and each individual knows that if bad choices are made, then they will have consequences which will follow and will have to be dealt with,” she said.

ASP Moore added, “You were taught how to deal with conflict, how to say no to drugs and how to groom yourself… I hope that you listened attentively to all the information which was given to you, and as a result you will apply what you have learnt to your everyday setting and will pass on the information to your friends and family.”

With that in mind, she urged the parents and guardians present to fulfil and finish what was started during the course of the camp, by encouraging and nurturing the values that have been instilled in their children.

“You will assist in the home environment, making it conducive to the change which has occurred, and the changes which we expect to continue to occur. What has been learnt at this camp will not be left at the doors and go no further. What you gained will go with you, you will continue to develop and soar higher; you can and will make a difference,” she said.

Turning her attention to the almost daily negative reports in the print and social media about the youth in the society, she urged the children present to reject the negativity, and ensure that only positive reports are made about them. (JRT)