Blue Waters and Pepsi are the lead sponsors for this year's edition of the Port-of-Spain and Environs Walk Against Crime. The event which involves pupils of primary schools from the Port-of-Spain and Environs Education District are fired up and ready to walk against crime around the Queen's Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain on May 1. This is when the Port-of-Spain and Environs Education District launches its Ninth Walkathon-Walk Against Crime. The event will culminate with speeches and entertainment at The Paddock, Queen's Park Savannah.
This walkathon has been the biggest and most successful in the country over the years, a release from the organisers said. "Walk Against Crime" is being used as a chance for children to show their concern about the crime wave in T&T. Some 8,000 students from 80 schools are expected to gather at the Grand Stand for the walk, which will be in four segments. The Central Port-of-Spain schools kick off the walk at 9am headed by Minister of Education, Dr Tim Gopeesingh. Brian Lara, who has taken part in the event since 2003, has been invited again, along with, Chief of Defence Force Staff, Roland Maundy, Minister of Sport Anil Roberts and Mayor of Port-of-Spain Louis Lee Sing.
Students at St Ursula Girls' Anglican School and Sacred Heart Girls' RC School are busy making placards for the march and will be waiting to wish Lara a very happy 42nd birthday. Principal of St Ursula's Anglican School, Janet Skerritt said some 350 children will participate. She shared that they attach a lot of importance to the chance to speak out against crime. "We are supporting this walk fully and hope all schools do the same," Skerritt said. West Indies cricketers brothers Dwayne and Darren Bravo along with West Indies Players Associtaion president Dinanath Ramnarine are also expected to grace the occasion with their presence.