Young People Deemed Pivotal in Reducing Crime and Violence

The nation’s youths are being encouraged to play a more pivotal role in reducing crime and violence.

This urging comes from Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, who argues that if young people are forthright in this regard, they could influence persons engaging in illicit acts to “lay down their guns and knives so that we can have a safer society.”

The Minister was speaking at the annual Kiwanis Club Division 23 East youth rally at Ardenne High School in Kingston, on Saturday, May 7.

Senator Reid said in order for young people to influence a reduction in crime, they must be united to this end.

He explained that persons having differences with each other must first seek to resolve these peacefully rather than resorting to conflict.

Senator Reid also suggested that they endeavour to lead exemplary lives by being “polite, kind and striving for excellence.”

These traits, he contended, would serve to positively influence their peers and other persons across the society.

Senator Reid lauded the Kiwanis Club and other service organizations for their ongoing work which continues to nurture the growth and development of Jamaica’s young people, while inspiring them to achieve greatness.

Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor, Beverley Thompson, said the rally marked the coming together of schools islandwide that have Builders and K-Kids Clubs, which are affiliated with the service organization.

She explained that the activities usually entail “nice, healthy competition” among the institutions in music, dance and speech.