Participants in Kingston Central Police Division's Leadership Enhancement Programme listen attentively at yesterday's launch at the East Queen Street Baptist Church, downtown Kingston. - Norman Grindley /Staff Photographer POLICE COMMISSIONER Francis Forbes yesterday announced that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will be dedicating a portion of a $5 million grant from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund to repairing several basic schools in inner-city communities.
Mr. Forbes made the announcement while speaking at the launch of the Kingston Central Police Division Leadership Enhancement Programme at the East Queen Street Baptist Church, downtown Kingston.
The Leadership Enhancement Programme, which was launched under the theme 'Youth Empowerment for Better Communities', was developed by the Kingston Central police, in association with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ).
It is sponsored by The Gleaner Company Ltd. and Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS). The initiative, which will involve 200 children, is aimed at bridging the gap between citizens and the police and to change the anti-social behaviour of young people in inner-city communities.
GOLD MINES IN INNER CITIES
Earl Jarrett, general manager at JNBS, who was guest speaker at the function, lauded the police on the initiative. "It reflects your vision for achieving change by starting with young people here today," he said.
He said, "When we (The Gleaner Company, JNBS and the PSOJ) were approached to sponsor this initiative, we had no hesitation about giving it our wholehearted support (as) we all know, without fear of contradiction, that inner-city communities have been gold mines of creativity and talent."
PACKED SYLLABUS
Over the next two weeks, the students participating in the programme will benefit from discussions in money management, drug awareness, conflict resolution, history and government.
Speaking about plans to repair basic schools, the Police Commissioner said: "We have a project that is about to get under way just about now that will see us refurbishing a couple basic schools in the inner cities, particularly in the area where we have been working since December 1."
PAYNE AVENUE TO BENEFIT
The Commissioner said that while the repairs focus largely on fixing the roofs of the schools, "We are also going... to buy some well needed equipment (such as) refrigerators, fans, desks and chairs.
"A part of that project will see us building a multi-sport court in one of the inner-city areas, over in Payne Avenue," he added.
Payne Avenue in Tavares Gardens, St. Andrew South Western, along with sections of West Kingston, namely Hannah Town, have been under curfew since December 1, 2002. Most major crimes are said to be down in these areas.
The Commissioner also announced that 52 students from the inner city are to receive $10,000 in scholarships through the Area Four Police Civic Committee. He noted that 52 students have already benefited from the scholarship programme.
