THA Probation Unit urges youths to make better choices

Ten troubled youths, between 14 and 18 years old, were urged to make better choices or face dire consequences.

The advice came from the Probation Services Unit, under the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development, to youths, who are clients of the unit placed by their parents or the courts for monitoring and probation supervision.

The remedial session, conducted at the division in Scarborough, was aimed at creating positive change among the clients who would have committed an offence and needed guidance. The aim was to deter the clients from repeat offences and offer them an alternative option while shifting their perception and attitudes.

Juliet Alleyne, Probation Officer II, said the remedial therapy programme is one of the intervention strategies of the probation services.

Speaking at the session was prison officer Dwayne Cupid who discussed real-life scenarios of inmates, to dissuade the youths from any activity that can lead them to prison. Cupid intended to give the boys a reality-check and encouraged them to make responsible choices.

Michael Stewart, motivational speaker and founder of BMen, a men's rights advocacy group, was also present and warned them, “every decision would impact your life.”

He went on to give real-life examples, and consequences, where young men made poor decisions, not just in Trinidad and Tobago, but also throughout the Caribbean. Stewart stressed, “Crime may pay, but it usually costs more than it pays.”

He reminded the youths about the importance of their choices, and urged them to make intentional choices, and not just "go with the flow."

Alleyne added, “Based on their interactions and feedback it is anticipated that these teen boys would have left inspired to make better choices, equipped to explore positive options and motivated to be their best selves.”