Young males challenged to get an education

MANDEVILLE — Head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Community Safety and Security Branch, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) James Forbes, says males should secure an education and stand up for wholesome ideals, to set a bright future for themselves and counter negative image.

“I encourage you to get an education, ensure that you are educated and pay significant attention to your school. You also have to strive for high ideals, strive to be the best at what you do, don’t settle for mediocrity and never apologize for your success, because you have earned it,” he said, while delivering the keynote address Sunday (June 19), at a Fathers’ Day Dinner at Neil’s Auditorium, Mandeville, organised by Young Women/Men of Purpose (Y-Wop/Y-Mop).

“I encourage parents to be your child’s role model, don’t divest that to anybody; you must be able to say to your children, do all the things you see me do,” SSP Forbes said.

“What you are doing in this organization is commendable, what you are doing is building Jamaica. I hope that others in other parts of Jamaica will follow suit and mentor our young people,” the SSP added.

Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Brenda Ramsay, commended the group for their work with young people in the parish, and for highlighting the issues of fatherhood.

“To have a body like this trying to refocus young men who will become fathers in the future, is something that is very commendable. We need more role models, and our fathers have their roles and responsibilities in guiding the youth of the nation, both their biological children and those with whom they come into contact,” she stated.

Founder of Y-Wop/Y-MoP and Miss Manchester Festival Queen 2009, Lanisia Rhoden, told the gathering that the organization has grown, through the contributions of its volunteers and businesses who believe in giving back to the community.

She said that the organization would not have grown to without the continued support and commitment of volunteers, mentees, friends and sponsors such as Power Services, Manchester Co-operative Credit Union, NCB Foundation, Burger King, Body and Soul, A Brighter Day Foundation, Crazy Jim and Total Supermarket,” she said.

Y-Wop started in 2009, catering to young women, 13-25, who seek trustworthy individuals to share with and provide professional assistance in selecting their career paths. Since 2010, Y-Mop was created to serve young males, and was officially launched at the 2011 Fathers’ Day Dinner.

By GARFIELD L. ANGUS, JIS Reporter