EMR YOUTH GROUP – The Royal Bahamas Police Force, West Grand Bahama Division, under the command of Superintendent Loretta Mackey have formed the Police Youth and Athletic Club in Eight Mile Rock. The officially launch took place on Wednesday morning at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in EMR where the group heard from Chief Superintendent of Police Ismella Davis and the Administrator for West Grand Bahama Brenda Colebrook. They are pictured with club members and advisors. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

EIGHT MILE ROCK, Grand Bahama – The Royal Bahamas Police Force is reaching out to the young people of Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama.

On Wednesday morning the law enforcement agency officially launched the Police Youth and Athletic Club, dubbed the Eight Mile Rock Pacesetters. The official launch took place at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jones Town, Eight Mile Rock.

Keynote speaker for the event was Chief Superintendent of Police Ismella Davis. The group also heard from the Administrator for West Grand Bahama, Mrs. Brenda Colebrook. The theme for the occasion was ‘The Road to Excellence Through Training.’ Ms. Davis emphasized that the theme should stay with them though childhood and adult life.

She pointed out that the launch of youth clubs in the various communities is very significant to the Royal Bahamas Police Force as indicated in the Commissioner’s Policing Plan 2015.

ISMELLA DAVIS as she addresses the Police Youth and Athletic Club at Eight Mile Rock on Wednesday morning. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

The Chief Superintendent of Police pointed out that the objective is to educate children and young persons about crime, alcohol, substance abuse and their personal safety; to institute conflict resolution programs in schools, churches and community group meetings; foster positive relationships between the Police and young people; and provide mentoring and character building to children at risk.

She said it is their intention to partner with all stakeholders in developing citizens for the future. Further, she congratulated Superintendent of Police Loretta Mackey, ASP Delva, Inspector Rolle and the officers of the Eight Mile Rock Division of the RBPF for their stellar leadership in that regard.

Continuing Ms. Davis told the young people that we are depending on you to succeed and that much of whom they become depends largely on themselves. She challenged them to choose life and all of its possibilities.

Also, she pointed out that our children live in a materialistic world and they want and have iPods, I Phones, latest brand clothing, school bags and shoes, but no grades to correspond.

“It is more important what is in you than what is on you,” she stated while encouraging parents to speak positively with their children.

She also sent a message out to Police Officers and community leaders who will be working and imparting instructions and knowledge to the young impressionable minds telling them that they are the ones who make lasting impressions upon students when they are most open to learn and form character. “So I ask that you make certain that in the fulfilment of your duties as teachers, police officers and community leaders, you set good examples.”