THE Community, Safety and Security Branch of the St Ann police has unfolded yet another programme set to improve the relations between law enforcers and communities in the parish.

The St Ann police launched the St Ann Police Youth Club Quiz competition at the police headquarters in St Ann’s Bay on Thursday evening, August 7. The quiz competition comes weeks after the inaugural staging of the St Ann High Schools’ Debating Competition.

Twelve youth clubs from across the parish are participating in the youth club quiz competition “geared at promoting a harmonious relationship between young persons and the police”, coordinator Constable Carl McLarty said.

Speaking at the launch to revamp the quiz competition which had been dormant for several years, Constable McLarty said that the competition will “increase awareness of current affairs and issues relating to policing” among participants.

Among the objectives of the competition, McLarty also said, was the aim of keeping young club members active during the summer holidays.

The competition also serves to motivate and rejuvenate members and to increase membership.

“This quiz will open up the minds of clubites as they compete against each other in the subjects of mathematics, English, sports and general knowledge for the top prize,” McLarty stated.

Inspector Orville Bushay told those attending the launch that he was happy for the revamping of the competition and said it will continue for years to come.

“I am happy for the realisation of this dream to have the quiz competition back on stream. It shall not die; it will not go into hibernation again to come out,” declared Inspector Bushay.

In commending the clubs for keeping the youth club movement alive, Bushay said that he wants the St Ann Police Youth Club to be one of the most vibrant clubs in Jamaica.

He was joined by head of the St Ann police, Senior Superintendent Yvonne Martin Daley, in promising a competition that will last for many years.

“This is a competition that we want to continue,” SSP Martin Daley said.

On Thursday, the Bamboo and Runaway Bay Police Youth clubs kicked off the competition with the first match. Bamboo emerged winners scoring 30 points to Runaway Bay’s 27 points and will move on to the next round.

The competition’s main sponsor for 2014 is Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners. The company has provided the trophies for the top three teams. Also sponsoring the event are Dolphin Cove, Mystic Mountain and Chukka Cove.