National Security Ministry official: 'Take a hold of our children, bring them back'

EVERY person must do their part in a national effort to keep the nation's youngsters on the right path in life, a top official of the Ministry of National Security told Newsday on August 14.

Office of Law Enforcement Policy (OLEP) head Gale Charles shared her views after a dance and drama recital by pupils of the ministry's Creative Expressions vacation camp at Beetham Gardens Community Centre with guest speaker National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds.

About 70 children from Port of Spain and environs attended the six-week camp, which is also run at Easter.

Charles told Newsday the camp was part of the ministry's Morvant/Laventille Initiative (MLI), which also included a women's entrepreneurship programme and the Roy Cape Right Tunes Music Programme, which teaches youngsters to play music instruments.

"In terms of developing the East Port of Spain area, there is a need for assistance because of the volatility of the situation there. So we assist anyone that asks us."

She wished these programmes had more recognition.

"But a lot of people are expending time and energy to build the different communities in the nation. It just so happens we are in the Port of Spain area and this is our catchment area. But I know for a fact there are other communities and other persons doing great things and building this nation."

She saluted members of her team, saying, "We are a small group, but we do great things."

Charles said the camp had changed the lives of children, many who began awkwardly but emerged able to express themselves.

"It is a continuing situation, not a one-off thing. They started off being afraid, some hostile. And you can see the love. You can see when the tutors come in on the morning, there is that rush to hug.

"So it is happening. There is a change happening."

However, she warned that id everyone didn't continue to feed that change, it would die.

"Every single person in the society has to take ownership of our children, take ownership of our neighbourhoods, take ownership of our communities."

Charles said people could not just rely on the Government to do everything. She hoped people would know not just their rights but their responsibilities.

Recalling her former career in the police service, she said much of her past effort had gone into promoting demand reduction for illicit drugs.

"We know supply reduction is that we go after the bad guys.

"But demand reduction is the development of the people – the development of self and the development of the communities – so that they would not see the need to go to drugs. Demand reduction is still a big part of what we do.

"We have to take a hold of our children and bring them back, give them some self-esteem, develop self-esteem in them, develop a love for themselves.

"When they get that love for themselves, nobody can tell them, 'Listen, I love you. so come and do something wrong.' They will understand right and wrong."
Charles said a spiritual belief served as a check and balance for individuals to know there was something greater than themselves.

"The development of our young people – even if you are not inclined to be a 'helper' – should be part of your DNA.

"If you don't develop the weaker in the society, the society will become uncaring."
On that note, she viewed the other end of the age spectrum and said communities must pay better attention to their well-being of the elderly.
"Check in on your neighbour," she urged.

Earlier, in delivering her welcome speech, Charles said rather than youngsters expressing themselves in obscene language and violence, the camp had taught them to use drumming, dance and drama.
Anticipating the pupils' performances, she encouraged, "Strut your stuff! Do it well. Look good today! Let's see what we can do when we put our minds to it."

Hinds, in his address, said it gladdened his heart to see the youngsters' growth during the camp. He said such camps provided a safe space for youngsters who represent TT's future, and camp activities had built the pupils' self-confidence, let them express themselves, and promoted self-discipline.

The event included a skit of pupils portraying the plight of the scarlet ibis after over-exploitation of its food source – crabs – by hunters.

Parents and pupils attested at the mike how helpful the camp had been, while the community council's Shakile Joseph hoped it could be expanded in 2025.

Under MC Elma Haynes of OLEP, the function ended with youngsters presented with certificates of participation, to the excited cheers of parents.

"Destiny, oi! Well done, baby girl!" shouted a parent known as Aunty Cutie.
"That's my son!" boomed a proud father.