The Tribune

ALMOST 1,200 youngsters from throughout New Providence filled Evangelistic Temple for the opening of the 20th Annual Royal Bahamas Police Force summer youth programme.

Thousands more turned out yesterday for Day One of the Programme which is taking place at 18 camps throughout The Bahamas.

Police Commissioner, Ellison Greenslade, said the camp has been increased from four to six weeks this year to accommodate a massive increase in interest.

He said: “For the past 20 years, the Force’s summer youth programme has been on an expedition to inspire, educate and motivate the youth of our nation to become responsible, respectful and productive citizens.

“Participants have benefitted tremendously from the well-rounded training received and are now making significant contributions to our country. “As our country celebrates 40 years of independence, let us celebrate the growth and achievement made and continue to work together in all aspects of our country while engaging our nation’s youth for a safer Bahamas.”

Commissioner Greenslade said running the programme allows the Force to fulfil one of the key components of the Commissioner of Police’s Policing Plan (2013) by “engaging our young people and allowing them to contribute to nation-building in positive ways,” in collaboration with government and non-governmental organisations and the wider community. The camp’s theme is ‘Celebrating our Heritage as We Embrace Our Youth for a Safer Bahamas.’

Mr Greenslade added: “We understand the need to provide opportunities for young people to positively express themselves (and) we also understand that many of our young people are searching for ways to demonstrate their talents and to expose their creative abilities.

“We have consistently been told that the programme – in its current format – is much too short and that consideration should be given to working throughout the school summer break, hence we have increased the duration of the programme to six weeks.”

This year additional bands will be created under the auspices of the community crime prevention bands banner. “Usually referred to as the Urban Renewal Bands, we are actively encouraging the formation of new bands in communities where they do not now exist,” Mr Greenslade said.

This will include Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.

Commissioner Greenslade said the summer programme has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1993 and gets youngsters involved in activities including academics, seminars, band, dance, arts and crafts, sports and field trips.

Six hundred youngsters have signed up for the Band camp, which continues to be a huge hit with the youngsters and their parents.