Rotary Clubs, Children Foundation join effort to combat anti-social behaviour and crime

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 27TH 2009 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas is welcoming more positive responses to his call for local, regional and international assistance to combat the problems associated with gang violence and criminal activity.
 
The latest local groups to come forward are the Rotary Clubs of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Board of the Advancement of Children Foundation.
 
A joint statement from the groups state their plans to highlight messages of the critical role that parenting plays in curbing deviant behaviour and ultimately preventing crime on signs to be erected across St. Kitts and Nevis soon as part of its support of plans and programmes by the Government that will result in a drastic downturn in criminal activity.
 
“Mindful that the gains realised over the years can be quickly eroded with the alarming increase in criminal activity, the Clubs call upon Government to move speedily to bring this situation under control,” the statement said.
 
The Advancement of Children Foundation was established in June 2008 with a mission to counteract the trend of rising violence and anti-social behaviour amongst the youth, through the promotion of good parenting, family and social values.
 
The Foundation is at a stage where qualifying groups can now apply for assistance to fund their programmes.  More information can be obtained by sending questions to: acfoundation2008@gmail.com.
 
The Foundation will erect a series of billboards across the island with thought-provoking messages, to remind parents of the critical role that responsible parenting plays in the curbing of deviant behaviour and ultimately preventing crime.
 
In addition to the direct assistance from the Foundation, the Clubs state that they stand ready in so far as their resources would allow, to support Government’s plans and programmes that would result in the drastic downturn in criminal activity.
 
The Rotary Clubs also call on all concerned citizens and groups to join together in the effort to reduce the incidence of violent crime.