The Tribune

BANK of The Bahamas is supporting the Royal Bahamas Police Force in providing safe and positive activities for youth at 16 summer camps in New Providence and the Family Islands.

This year’s programme, which will be held under the theme “Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today”, runs for six weeks from June 31 to August 8 and caters to about 4,000 children between the ages of eight and 16. It comprises 10 camps in New Providence and six in Eleuthera, Exuma, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini and San Salvador.

The bank has donated $4,000 to the programme, where camps provide exemplary leadership by the police and a safe and fun-filled alternative to crime and anti-social behaviour.

Patricia James, Manager of BOB’s Carmichael Road branch, said this is the fourth consecutive year in which the bank has provided support for the programme.

“We believe the RBPF Summer Youth programme serves a vital purpose in our communities,” she said. “It helps to keep thousands of children out of trouble and engaged in positive activities during the vulnerable summer months when too much unsupervised time can lead to poor choices and regrettable actions. It addresses youth development, education and crime prevention, all of which are key aspects of our BOB sponsorship focus.”

Superintendent Stephen Dean, Director for the National Crime Prevention Office, said the bank is a valuable partner in the Police’s Community Outreach and Crime Prevention efforts.

“We want to say to BOB how appreciative we are because it tells us you have the interest of The Bahamas at heart,” he said. “We want to see a future Bahamas and the only way we can do this is by investing in our young people and developing future leaders. A lot of people talk about it, but this is an actual example of someone who’s doing it.”