Rhodd

AS THE search continues for solutions to the wave of crime and violence now sweeping the country, one member of parliament (MP) wants the Government to establish a national mentoring programme to influence young men at risk.

Portland eastern MP, Dr Donald Rhodd, believes that mentoring can be used as an alternative approach to fighting crime.

Practical way

In his contribution to the 2008-2009 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives last week, Rhodd argued that while mentoring could not replace the role of the family, it should be seen as a practical way to address behavioural problems that act as a stimulus to crime.

While acknowledging the efforts of several mentoring initiatives carried out by the police, Fathers' Incorporated, Youth Opportunities Unlimited and a number of faith-based organisations, Rhodd said there was an urgent need for national intervention.

The MP contended that mentoring programmes were even more critical now as there was a paucity of positive role models.

Rhodd also said he wanted the Government to pay more attention to youth development programmes, particularly for young men at risk.

He reminded his parliamentary colleagues that violence was the leading cause of death in young Jamaica males.