TRELAWNY, Jamaica  — Superintendent Velonique Campbell, commanding officer for the Trelawny Police Division, has challenged the seven young people who recently graduated from the Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Initiative (YEMI) to take charge of their futures, make wise choices and use every opportunity to become positive influences in their communities.

The charge came during Saturday’s graduation ceremony for phase two of YEMI at the Falmouth Police Station.

Campbell told the graduates that completing the 12-week programme should not mark the end of their growth, but the beginning of their responsibility to put the lessons learnt into practice.

She said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has a responsibility to help at-risk youth navigate challenges and make choices that can lead to better outcomes, while also strengthening its relationship with the communities it serves.

“Despite negative perceptions that may exist about the police, initiatives such as YEMI, undertaken in partnership with stakeholders, provide opportunities to build trust and strengthen relationships with young people and communities,” she said.

Campbell acknowledged that there may be a degree of mistrust of the police among some young people, but said initiatives such as YEMI create opportunities for meaningful engagement and understanding.

She urged the graduates to remain positive, apply the principles they had learnt and seize opportunities that could help them build productive futures.

The seven graduates completed sessions in discipline, deportment, decision-making, personal development, responsibility and other life skills aimed at encouraging positive behavioural change.

Valedictorian Jasmine Allwood said she had initially been unsure about joining the programme, but credited YEMI with teaching her discipline, time management and patience. She said the experience also helped her to think more carefully about her actions and respond to challenges in a more mature and positive way.

Guest speaker Colene Sewell, guidance counsellor and Trelawny parish coordinator for the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), urged the graduates to regard the milestone as the beginning of a new chapter.

Speaking under the theme “A New Page: A New Story”, Sewell reminded them that difficult experiences do not have to determine their future and encouraged them to take responsibility for the choices that shape their lives.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and prizes. Volunteers and YEMI coordinators, Constables Latoya Garriques and Jodean Kelly, of the Trelawny Community Safety and Security Branch, were also recognised for their contribution.

The NCDA presented additional awards through its Operation Lighthouse Programme, which formed part of YEMI Phase Two.

The YEMI programme brings together key stakeholders, including the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), NCDA and the Ministry of Justice, which work to support at-risk youth through structured mentorship, character building and life skills training.

— Horace Hines