The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

SCOTIABANK entered an agreement yesterday to donate $50,000 over the next five years to the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Summer Youth Camp.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said the camp, which caters to approximately 4,000 students each year, has grown tremendously since its inception in 1993. He said over the 22 years, more and more students have signed up, which increased the demand for money.

He thanked Scotiabank for their generosity and said the money will go a long way in helping the country’s youth.

“It was a positive shot in the arm for the summer programme. We appreciate receiving the much needed donation,” ACP Dean said.

“The demand grows every year. We don’t want to deny the children the opportunity or turn them anyway. We want the children to come to a safe environment and parents to know their kids are safe with us and it a positive place to be.”

Scotiabank Marketing Manager, Sean Albert, said through the bank’s Bright Future global philanthropic programme they “aim to be relevant and responsive to the needs of local communities at the grassroots level”.

 “We are mindful that it is essential to engage children in wholesome activities during the long days of summer when schools are on holiday and parents are at work. There is no disputing the commendable job that the police do to build stronger communities through its summer camps, youth bands and other positive initiatives aimed at young persons,” Mr Albert said.

“We have supported several divisional groupings of the Royal Bahamas Police Force summer youth programme for years. 

“At this juncture, we thought it fitting to streamline and strengthen our partnership by signing a formal, multi-year $50,000 agreement with the parent organisation.”

The camp runs for six weeks and begins on June 29.