News

The Ministry of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons With Disabilities, and Youth; the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (RSVG), Police Force Band; along with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), held a signing ceremony on Monday 29th January, at the Police Headquarters conference room.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between the Ministries of National Mobilisation and National Security was for Youth Empowerment Service (YES), training and music, through the RSVG Police Force Band, and to promote youth and national development.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Colin John, gave a brief history of the band cadets, which was founded in 1953, and how it has changed over the years. He said that the twelve (12) persons that will join the band through the YES program, will have the opportunity to be part of the RSVG Police Force, as long as they have performed well during the program.

His Excellency, Baushuan Ger, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), said that, since the start of the YES program in 2001, the Government of Taiwan has provided E.C. 2.1 Million dollars to the program, and 8,500 youths have participated. Many have gone on to become teachers, businessmen, technicians, among other professions.

Minister of National Mobilisation, Hon. Frederick Stephenson, said that he hopes the signing of the MOU will help to prevent some young men from falling into gangs, and give them the opportunity to have mainstream work, along with training in music. He further stated that throughout the life of the YES program, youths have gone on to earn college degrees, Masters and Ph.Ds, and have gained permanent employment within various ministries of government.

SOURCE: API