Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn encouraged students at the Flankers Primary and Junior High School to stay away from gangs.
The State Minister was addressing the students at the handing over ceremony for musical instruments and footballs at the school in Montego Bay, St. James yesterday (January 25). She noted that the instruments are powerful tools that are vital to the growth and development of the students.
“Sports is part of the government’s commitment to explore every possible avenue to make sure that you are engaged in meaningful activities to steer you away from a life of crime,” she told the students.
The provision of these resources valued at approximately $1 million falls under the USAID/MNS Partnership for Violence Prevention in Targeted Vulnerable Communities and Schools in Jamaica Programme (G2G).
While thanking the US Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Nickolas Perry, Minister Cuthbert-Flynn emphasised the need to maintain stronger partnerships to assist vulnerable communities and schools across the island.
“Let us continue to further develop and sustain meaningful partnerships like this that can positively impact the lives of these children,” she said.
The State Minister further reinforced that, “they are relying on us to be the driving force that will assist in providing the necessary resources as they trod their way to success.”
The Ministry of National Security Crime Prevention and Community Safety Branch continues to utilise a targeted approach to impact the lives of the young population through its Music, Sports and Technology (MST) Initiative. This initiative is a significant tool to target at-risk youth in order to reduce the risk of generating potential violence producers.
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