‘Kick Out Crime And Violence’

‘Kick Out Crime And Violence’ was the theme of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Gros Islet Football League initiative to help give crime and violence the boot. The RSLPF’s Community Relations Branch (CRB) partnered with the Gros Islet Football League to host the ‘Caribbean Youth Challenge Series’ football tournament. According to the RSLPF, other youth outreach initiatives accompanied the July 19 to 28 tournament. A police release disclosed that four hundred boys from thirteen teams participated, including two teams from Dominica. The release said, “Officers actively participated in game days, engaging with players and families, offering guidance, and sharing valuable safety tips.” “This direct interaction was designed to build trust and a positive rapport between the police force and community members,” it noted. Before the tournament, the Community Relations Branch conducted workshops for youth and coaches on gangs, safety, and crime prevention strategies. In addition to their presence at games, officers attended off-field activities such as games nights and other formal events during the tournament. After the tournament, Nyah FC, ‘a team of young, passionate footballers’, received the Commissioner’s “Most Disciplined Team Fair Play Award” for their exemplary discipline. The article ‘Kick Out Crime And Violence’...