St. James PMI Successfully Using Music to Engage At-Risk Youth

The Peace Management Initiative (PMI) in St. James is using music as a part of its social intervention programmes for at-risk youth across the parish.

Administrator, Garfield McGhie, told JIS News that to date 20 marching bands have been established across the parish, involving more than 400 youth.

According to Mr. McGhie, “we are of the view that music and especially a marching band, provide an additional avenue through which the talents and creativity of youths from our communities can be gainfully engaged.”

He said there has been a major turnaround in the mindset of these persons since they began participating in band activities, with some expressing an interest in being involved in the music industry on a full time basis.

He said the marching band programme has so far been very successful, with some bands venturing on tours locally and overseas.

The PMI has employed a music teacher to bring the standard of all bands up to a level where they can participate in competitions.

“The parish has a number of areas which have been recognised as hot spots and the marching band initiative is a wonderful vehicle to get youths engaged in meaningful activities, while in the long run providing a possible avenue for the establishment of careers in the music industry,” he said.

Funding for the marching band project is being provided by the Ministry of National Security, through the Citizens Security and Justice Programme (CSJP).