The Hopetown/No 22 Police Youth Group was launched recently in an effort to get the youngsters involved in “clean activities that would aid in their development,” the police said.
Commander of ‘B’ Division/Assistant Com-missioner Brian Joseph who was born and grew up at Hopetown said he wants to give back to the village and promised to ensure that the group is one of the best in the country.
He said proudly that Hopetown had produced some of the best athletes in the country, including Josephine James,
Denise Woolford, the Frasers and Thomas Bowman.
The youth would be involved in all forms of sports and athletics and the commander urged them to do their best as he wants to “see Hopetown back on the map.”
At the event held at the Hopetown Community Centre Ground and chaired by Sergeant Cynthia Kelly of the Fort Wellington Police Station (FWPS), donations were made to the captains of the football and the basketball clubs.
The commander said the sport gears were provided to keep them occupied and that he had also made a donation to a young athlete at Belladrum.
Joseph said too that he would be engaging a contractor to inspect the ground to see how it can be further developed.
He also urged the youth to “pay attention to your school work and have the right attitude” and it would take them a far way.
Officer-in-charge of the FWPS/Assistant Super-intendent Joshua Harvey-John told the youth that the police would be interacting with them on Saturdays.
During that time, he said, “We would teach and mould you so you can become good adults.” He said they would also learn about domestic violence and drug abuse in the society.
Harvey-John also told them that they would have a chance to go on tours and to interact and compete with members from the two other groups that were formed at Bath Settlement and Belladrum as well as in East Berbice.
He promised that there are good things ahead and encouraged them to bring out their parents to “see the good work you would be doing” and to invite others to join as well.
Four persons; Michael Archibald, Tasia Allen, Fonsie James and Emerson Benjamin have been selected to be leaders of the group.
