BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – COMMISSIONER of Police- designate (COP) Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn has pledged his financial and other support for Operation Future as, according to his explanation, he recognises the value and importance of such a programme and the impact it could have on society.
Operation Future was founded approximately five years ago by Constable Lauston Percival as a programme designed to reach primary and high school students and warn them of the harmful effects of gang involvement and negative behaviour.
The programme has since evolved and, in addition to reaching those students, it seeks to devise ways of reaching individuals who are already involved in gang activities and providing positive and practical alternatives to that lifestyle.
Walwyn explained to SKNVibes that sometime ago he learnt of the programme while surfing the internet, and having confirmed its authenticity he made a donation and will continue doing so.
He however noted that while financial support is needed to keep the project afloat, functional and effective, community support is an additional necessity.
“Our project here, Operation Future, it requires funding and community support. The funny thing about this project is, I did not know about the programme until one day I was surfing the internet while in Florida and I saw it and immediately made some phone calls and sent some emails to find out if this was a legitimate programme and who was running it, because I could see the benefit of Operation Future.
“Once I saw that it was legitimate, I made a $100 donation from Florida even before I knew anything about the job here in St. Kitts Nevis. I am still going to be a contributor…I am still going to give money every month to support it.”
The incoming Commissioner further explained that he is the product of a similar programme and that he is aware of several examples of positive, successful upstanding citizens who are also products of like programmes.
“I was a member of the Virgin Islands Police Cadets which was basically the same thing. In 1973 I was 16 years old and I became a member of that programme. It produced a couple of US Senators, a couple of military superiors…So you never know who you are helping. Today, look at me; look at where I am...because someone took time. So I can see the benefits of the programme, but it is going to take community support.”
