San Fernando Mayor praises sailing programme

SAN Fernando Mayor Robert Parris has praised a partnership between the Scout Association and the Southern Sailing Academy to introduce young people to sailing.

The association and the academy held a certificate presentation ceremony for participants in this programme at the 1st Notre Dame Sea Scout House, Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando on April 6.

A release issued by both groups said the programme is designed to introduce young people to the fundamentals of sailing and marine safety.

“It forms part of a broader mission to build life skills, resilience and environmental stewardship through experiential learning,” the release said.

In a brief interview with Newsday, Parris welcomed this programme.

“I’m a scout and scouting is the basis of all the discipline that allowed me to accomplish all that I have in my life.”

Parris added, “I have been monitoring and was informed about this initiative of the sea scouts who have been an integral part of our San Fernando Wharf for decades.”

He congratulated Commissioner of Scouts Mark Ainsley John, on behalf of the city of San Fernando, for using this initiative to continue “to promote the good virtues of scouting.”

At the ceremony, Sport and Community Development Ministry deputy director Patrice Charles said the programme will teach young people resilience and how to navigate life’s challenges.

John said, “These are not just maritime skills. They are life skills.”

He was confident the programme would give young people the tools to navigate the sea and life.