US Ambassador Implores Students to Stay Away from Gangs

United States Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency N Nickolas Perry, is urging students to surround themselves with positive role models and to stay away from crime and gang related activities.

Ambassador Perry, who was speaking to students, parents, school administrators and other stakeholders at the handover of musical equipment to Flanker Primary School, Montego Bay, St. James, on January 25, said his diplomatic status as a representative of a country that is often referred to as “the leader of the free world” was not always an easy road, especially for a child of very humble beginnings.

A Jamaican by birth, the Ambassador said it has always been his view that a modest upbringing or being from a stigmatised community should not be seen as a precursor as to what the future holds.

He noted that his childhood days and obstacles faced in the early years, have given him a better appreciation and understanding of some of the challenges many young Jamaicans are going through today.

The Ambassador said that as a youngster from a very modest Jamaican household of 11 children, 10 brothers and a sister, it would not have been that difficult to have fallen by the wayside and turning to bad company.

Instead, he knew and took what he felt was the right road, telling students that they can do the same and that a lifetime of opportunities awaits if they choose to go down a positive pathway.

Mr. Perry urged the students to think big, adding that maybe it is on the cards for someone within their batch to become a future ambassador and the pride and joy of Flanker Primary.

He cautioned that along the way they (students) might be approached by gang recruiters or persons who are inclined to want to paint a fancy road to nowhere but destruction, imploring them to resist temptations and to focus on the positive things that matter.

“As you grow older, you will learn about gangs and gang membership. Gangs are bad… always tell yourselves that you will never be in a gang. Stay away from invitations to be involved in gangs,” Mr. Perry further urged.

He encouraged the students to pay keen attention to what they are being taught, imploring them to read and understand history, especially of their country and the Caribbean as a whole.

“America and Jamaica are bilateral partners. We have a very special and close relationship, and we do things together. Our close relationship makes the world and the Caribbean a better place. Jamaica is in the Caribbean and when people talk about you living in America’s backyard… that’s a misnomer. You live in America’s front yard… you are connected to America. We care about your future and we care about your education. We care about opportunities you get as you grow,” the Ambassador said.