FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Commander of the Trelawny Police Division, Superintendent Velonique Campbell has moved to dispel the notion among some misguided youngsters that the police are their enemies.

“Too often they think that we are the enemies, or we are on different sides, but we are not. When you look at the function of the police, it is to ensure that we have safe communities so that our future is secured and the country realises Vision 2030. There is no two sides. We are for you, and this programme will speak volumes going forward,” Superintendent Campbell assured.

She was speaking during the official launch of the Youth Empowerment Mentorship Initiative (YEMI) at Abundant Life Ministry in Wakefield, Trelawny, last Saturday.

Spearheaded by constables Latoya Garriques and Jodean Kelly of the Trelawny Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB), the YEMI programme brings together key stakeholders — including the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), and the Ministry of Justice — that work to support at-risk youth through structured mentorship, character building, and life skills training.

During her welcome remarks Superintendent Campbell told the youngsters gathered that the police want to “nurture and guide” them.

“At times there is a difficulty in the homes in terms of parenting, and when you look at what is playing out in some of the schools, you realise that there is indeed that gap. So, this programme is to provide that guidance for you so that you can become very productive citizens of your country,” she said.

“It’s all about you. It’s not about the police, it’s not about the volunteers, it’s not about the sponsors. It’s about you,” she emphasised.

The senior cop also encouraged the youth to stay focused, make positive decisions, and build meaningful relationships with the police and wider community.

“When you look what is happening around society, the youth are perpetrators of crime, the youth are victims of crime… What we want is to develop and maintain a positive relationship between us and our youth,” she said.

Keynote speaker Clifton Morris, the NCDA’s western regional manager, who emphasised respect, communication and accountability, reminded participants that their past does not define their future, and encouraged them to overcome challenges, choose positive influences, and stay committed to personal growth.

Superintendent Campbell lauded all stakeholders involved in the initiative, including constables Garriques and Kelly for taking on a tough but important task.

“We all know that children are the future, and whatever we can do to make things better for them, then we ought to,” she said.

About 12 youth are participating in the YEMI programme which began on March 7, with sessions held every Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00pm. It ends on May 30 with a graduation ceremony.

Stakeholders in the Youth Empowerment Mentorship Initiative, hosted by the Trelawny police, pause for a photo during the official launch held at Abundant Life Ministry in Wakefield, Trelawny, last Saturday. (Photo: Constable Sammoy Livermore)

Constables Latoya Garriques (left) and Jodean Kelly speaking during the launch of the Youth Empowerment Mentorship Initiative at Abundant Life Ministry in Wakefield, Trelawny, last Saturday.(Photo: Constable Sammoy Livermore)

NCDA Western Regional Manager Clifton Morris speaks during last Saturday’s launch of the Youth Empowerment Mentorship Initiative at Abundant Life Ministry in Wakefield, Trelawny.(Photo: Constable Sammoy Livermore)