National Security Minister Jack Warner continues to keep the citizenry in suspense over Government's new crime-fighting strategy. However, when questioned about it yesterday, his response was, "All good things come to those who wait." That is as much as he offered when along with President George Maxwell Richards, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs, he attended a thanksgiving ceremony held by the Siparia Police Youth Club at the La Divina Pastora Roman Catholic Church.
In delivering their messages, the speakers all directed their focus on building partnerships with youths in an effort to curb the upsurge in murders. Warner said that police youth clubs which were established in 1974 had more significance now than ever before as all the speakers were looking forward to working with them to help curb the high delinquency rate among youths.
He said that it was important to forge an alliance with the police and young people in an effort to fight crime. However Warner told the large audience that while they may be criticised by those who had a criminal agenda, he encouraged them to follow his Government, which he said, despite criticisms, continues to work towards their goals.
"I come to you today with the good news that better days are coming. But I want to give you young people a word of caution. Because of your achievement, you shall be criticised by those who believed what you are doing is not the in thing," he said. Gibbs who preceded Warner on the podium said that today youths are bombarded with images that glorify crime, drugs and violence. However he said that through the clubs, youths are provided with alternatives.
The commissioner said it is the hope of the police service that the youth clubs will bring about a partnership which will see a decrease in criminal activities among the young people. In his turn, President Richards said he views the Police Youth Club as an organisation with the potential to build communities throughout the country. He said having police officers as leaders will provide the necessary mentorship that the youth need to stay on the correct path.