Thirty Young Men from March Pen Road to Receive Lifeguard Training as part of CSI Programme for At Risk Communities

Thirty young men from the March Pen Road community in Spanish Town St. Catherine are set to benefit from Lifeguard training. The training is being organized by the Community Security Initiative (CSI) a social intervention programme of the Ministry of National Security in collaboration with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
The training arose from a meeting with CSI and the Club Hotel Riu where it was recommended that residents be trained to meet the growing employment demands of the tourist industry. The CSI has also arranged training for persons in Food Preparation and House Keeping to fit the criteria of the Tourist Industry. Club Riu has promised to assist with job placement of residents who are trained under the CSI programme.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Major Richard Reese addressed the young men at Arian’s Restaurant in Spanish Town yesterday (January 6, 2009). He used the opportunity to encourage them to turn their obstacles into stepping stones, noting that their presence was a demonstration of their interest and commitment.
He expressed the hope that the programme will encourage them to achieve their goals. “Your life and future are in your hands. In order to achieve success you need to have the key and if you don’t know how to turn it the lock will remain closed” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged them to start a process of self assessment then focus on what they need to do and correct it.
Major Reese said they should work on building good work ethics and comply with the rules wherever they are employed. “As young men your journey is very challenging and it is up to you to assess what you need to do to be successful” he implored.
The CSI operates in other communities such as Highlight View, August Town, Matthews Lane and Dunkirk in Kingston. It was started in 2005.