RAYNEAU GIVES SUPPORT TO FIRST EVER SVG/SLU REGIONAL POLICE YOUTH GROUPS' CAMP

Mr Gajadhar poses for a photo with officials and campers

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Police Youth Clubs (PYC) which was founded in 2001 began a two-week summer camp program under the guidance of  Sergeant Stephen Billy, the National Police Youth Club Coordinator, at the Choiseul Secondary School from Monday July 17, 2023. The club comprises about 31 groups or 340 members strong, (children and adults). 

Members of the Rising Stars Youth Group of the Royal St Lucia Police Force are also part of this summer  camp. The coordinating team expresses its gratitude to Officer James and other officers of the Royal St Lucia Police Force whose assistance was of tremendous value.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Youth Club caters to children eight years old to seventeen, sergeant Billy said.  He went on to say that when members reach 18, they are considered associate members and most of the time become involved in a leadership role to help assist, manage and coordinate.

The objective of the police youth club is to provide children with the required life skills in order to help mold them into well-rounded persons. Sergeant Billy remarked, “Nurturing Our Nation’s Most Valuable Resources.” In addition, the club aims -

Sergeant Stephen Billy

• To foster good relationships between  the St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia Police.
• To bridge the gap between the community and the police.  
• To build on regional integration among police youth groups.

According to Sergeant Billy, Mr. Rayneau Gajadhar, CEO of Rayneau Group of Companies Ltd, has been very instrumental in assisting with the camping logistics.  Through Mr. Gajadhar’s connection in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Police Youth Club ably, directed by the Minister of Youth Hon. Orando Brewster was able to link up with Mr. Gajadhar.

To give a clearer picture of Mr. Gajadhar’s support, Sergeant Billy  puts it like this, “When we were looking to come to St Lucia we were looking for persons who could sponsor us or assist, because transportation in St Lucia is pretty expensive, so we wanted to find somebody on the ground in St Lucia who might be willing to work with the youths plus discuss the moving of the campers, firstly  from the wharf to the campsite and we are hoping as well  to have some tours so that instead of only being confined to that area they can see more of St Lucia.”

Campers at Choiseul Secondary School Yard

The National Police Youth Club Coordinator, continued, “So since we recognized that his [Mr. Gajadhar's] company operates out of St Vincent as well, we decided to approach him. And through the Minister of Youth, Hon. Orlando Brewster, we were able to make this contact. So begins a partnership between the Police Youth Club and Mr. Rayneau.  …….some of his own transportation, especially the pick-ups was used to carry the luggage and he also agreed to pay the cost for the coasters.”

The Police Youth club is also in negotiations with Mr. Gajadhar for transportation assistance for a Castries and Sulphur springs tour this week. Two of Rayneau vehicles are on the campsite to be used by the Police Youth Club officials in case of emergency purposes and  for other daily routine necessities.

SLU Inspector and Rayneau

     Mr. Gajadhar is pleased to be able to lend support to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Youth Club. He is of the firm belief that our youth is the future. Mr. Gajadhar is also of the opinion that Saint Lucians and Vincentians both at home and abroad, as well as businesses, churches, and other community groups and organizations, should join with the RSVGPF and RSLPF in shaping our youth into law-abiding, wholesome, productive, and discipline citizens.

During the two-week stay the campers will partake in many extra curricula activities, personal development activities, self-discipline, conflict resolution, self-esteem, proper hygiene, life skills, etc. 

The Coordinator was very eloquent in his remarks thanking Mr Gajadhar and Rayneau Group of Companies Ltd. “We want to say thank you, to thank him for what he has done so far, especially for the transportation. He left two vehicles at our disposal for our day-to-day management of camp.  ……these two vehicles that were left at the camp we are so much appreciative. We are also very appreciative of the fact that he would willingly help us with our transportation from Vieux Fort to Choiseul. We are looking forward to a continued partnership with him.”

    He went on to say, “I am hoping that he will be  willing, after we leave Saint Lucia to continue working along with us to mold and nurture our nations’ youths, seeing he’s part and parcel of this community now through his business ventures. We are willing to come back at any time, if he needs us, I don’t mean the children, I mean the coordinators, to assist in any way if he decides to revive and work on their police youth club development to rebuild it to be a vibrant one.  We are always there!”

    The coordinator looks forward to a close relationship and partnership with Mr. Gajadhar in the years to come, so our youths he says can be better equipped to assist young people when they are in need. “We want to say thank you and we are very appreciative of his efforts so far and look forward to his continued support.” He concluded.

    At the end of the two-week camp the Coordinator mentioned a banquet will be held for the campers. This banquet usually takes place on the last day of camp, but due to the unique circumstances in St Lucia the activity will be held on Saturday July 2, 2023.  During the ceremony, speeches will be made and prizes will be awarded to outstanding campers.