Several young Vincentians have been given the opportunity to learn a musical skill which they can use to sustain themselves for the rest of their lives.
This with the commencement on Thursday January 31st, 2019 of the programme for the second cohort enrolled in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force band “Apprentice Programme”.
The opening ceremony saw 17 new recruits including three reinstated participants signing a one year contract to learn to play an instrument.
Commissioner of Police Colin John in his remarks revealed that the RSVGPF Band started here in 1951 and in 1953 the cadet programme was initiated. The Commissioner noted that the purpose of the band include entertainment. He also highlighted that the band’s skills have been utilized at all Calypso finals since 2001, at funerals, community activities and at Christmas festivities among other events.
Commissioner John added that the band is also involved in educating children since members visit schools and impart their musical knowledge. The Commissioner outlined that employment is also created not only by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines but in community bands. John also disclosed that the band enhances the relationship with members of the public including the Pan Against Crime initiative.
The Commissioner of Police added that the goal of the “Apprentice Programme” is to boost the capacity of the band and encouraged participants to “grab the opportunity with both hands.”
Commissioner John thanked the Taiwanese embassy for sponsoring the apprenticeship through the YES Programme and extended appreciation to the Ministry of National Mobilization for the partnership and by extension the Government of SVG for the vision of the Youth Empowerment Service Programme.
Officer in Administrative Control at Youth affairs Division, Ena Walters, indicated that the programme is an extension of the Youth Empowerment Service YES programme, and noted that last year’s programme was a resounding success.
Walters praised the RSVGPF Band for the contribution made and pointed out that “the Youth Affairs Division takes youth development seriously,” since there are several programmes that deal with youth development. Walters applauded the participants for choosing the programme, since as she puts it a skill will be gained for life; she urged the recruits to work hard to reap success.
Walters revealed that the development of a Youth Policy is high on the agenda within the Youth Affairs Division and said that consultations will be made throughout various communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to obtain useful information in aid of its creation.
