JCF Partners With Suncity Radio to Reach Out to the Youth

The Community Safety and Security Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is connecting with the nation’s youth, through its Fighting Crime with Rhymes programme.

At the launch of the SunCity High School Disc Jock Competition, held on

January 13, at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bishop Dr. Gary Welsh, said the JCF is embracing this opportunity to communicate with young persons through this creative medium.

“You cannot communicate with people until you understand their language. It is difficult for the police and it has been because we sometimes ignore the language of the young people,” he argued.

Under the theme, ‘Avoid Negative Addiction, Stick to Education’, SunCity radio is partnering with the JCF to promote Jamaica’s musical culture and endorse music and entertainment as a viable and lucrative career option for young persons.

The initiative is underpinned by the use of music as a medium to disseminate positive messages to students.

Meanwhile, Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, endorsed the initiative and lauded the radio station for their innovative approach to addressing some of the issues faced by the country’s youth.

“I would like to congratulate SunCity on taking an approach that is not only innovative, but it is well needed because this solidifies what many of us have been speaking about in the new globalized world,” she said.

The Minister encouraged young persons to explore innovative, non traditional career options that are globally competitive.

“Let us keep our minds open to innovation. Let us understand that economic growth in this country does not only have to do with traditional areas. There is a lot of growth taking place with our youth (working on their computers from their bedrooms),  they have music in their communities and other creative industries (that they are engaged in). So, open your minds to those areas,” she encouraged.

There are currently 16 institutions across the island participating in the competition. The contest, which will take place over an eight-week period, beginning January 19 and ending on March 12, will see participants  from the schools taking part in outside broadcasts, with voting taking place at the end of the competition.

The winner will receive a cash prize of $50,000 for their school. The student will also win for themselves a laptop, a two-month internship and training at SunCity radio and a gift certificate valued at $20,000. The first runner up will be given $25,000 for their school, a tablet, a one-month internship at SunCity Radio and a $10,000 gift certificate.