CHRISTIANA, Manchester — Civic, political, education and security leaders have commended the Manchester police Community, Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) for expanding its youth club initiative in schools.

President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Leighton Johnson, while lauding the initiative, said it is significant to help schools now under threat from violence.

“There was once a time when schools in Jamaica were never bothered by the fact that the compounds were open, because the compounds were a safe haven, a space for growth and development for every member within our society. Now, schools have to be battling with the Ministry of Education to get funding to enclose their perimeters, because of the fear that it will be overrun with criminality and hoodlums who have no decency and civility,” Johnson said while addressing the launch of the Christiana High School Police Youth Club on Monday.

“This police youth club will once again demonstrate to our nation that though in the contemporary context it is necessary for a perimeter wall around a school, that wall will just be there for added layers of security,” added Johnson.

He said that the police youth club represents hope for a better Jamaica.

“As a nation it is sad at this juncture where we have a crime rate that is rivalling any country that has a civil war. The number of persons who are murdered senselessly each year rivals that of nations that have a broken democracy,” Johnson said.

“What is being done here is a step in the right direction to promote and enable peace throughout every corridor, street and community. It will enable a Jamaica where we will no longer tolerate the kind of carnage and the lack of civility that we have running through our streets,” added Johnson.

Custos of Manchester Garfield Green said the police youth club will foster a partnership between the police and youth.

“I must congratulate those who created this platform that will be dedicated to empowering and encouraging the youth in our community. There is an invaluable partnership between the youth and law enforcement in fostering a culture of safety, respect and unity within our community,” he said.

In the meantime, principal of Christiana High Leecent Wallace said the initiative has gained the support of parents.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the parents, the guardians and families of our students. Their unwavering support and encouragement has been a cornerstone of our success and we are grateful for their trust that they have placed in us to nurture and educate the next generation of leaders,” he said.

Senior secretary at Christiana High Sandra Whyte, who has been integral in the formation of the Christiana High Police Youth Club, said 55 students have already signed up.

“I saw the need for it based on the different activities, our crime and our violence. What I recognise even in my capacity as a secretary is that students come to you for different reasons. Domestic violence is one. There are lots of students who need the opportunity to express themselves. They see the police youth club as a space where they can be assisted through not our community development, but for academic development. It is a priority of mine that students actually perform to be in that club,” said Whyte.