BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A week does not pass without word circulating that there was some sort of shooting incident, burglary, robbery or other serious crime. Operation Future’s founder Officer Lauston Percival is of the view that for such issues to be properly addressed, the root cause has to be identified.
And as such, his organization would be hosting a ‘Face 2 Face’ discussion/event at the Bronte Welsh Primary School next week Wednesday (Apr. 20).
Speaking with this publication, Officer Percival explained that the forum provides for open and frank discussion amongst students, teachers and himself, and is a place where effective and workable solutions for societal ills could be devised and discussed.
“We are basically going to be discussing youth crime and violence, so we are hoping that the parents and students who are from that and surrounding communities would make the effort to be there and air their views. I am going to do a power point presentation and we will have a general discussion on that topic.”
Percival said the spate of school fights which took place over the past school term is a strong indication that there is need for greater parental involvement in finding solutions to particular relative issues.
“It is important for us to address that topic because when you look at what is happening, not only outside in the public but also in the schools. Take last term for example, we were faced with a lot of issues of students fighting in schools and a lot of bullying taking place. So it is important for us to educate not only the young persons but also the parents. Because, let’s face it, when students leave school they are in their parents’ care. So parents need to be educated as well. They need to be taught how to deal with these issues when they arise. So that is one of the reasons why we are having this discussion.”
The Officer reminded that last year a number of similar events were held but this is the first for 2016.
He said his presentation is going to be candid and direct and that he expects the audience’s response to be nothing less.
“My presentation is going to be very frank and open. I am not going to sugarcoat anything and I am not going to hide anything from anyone, so I expect that attendees would be as frank and as open with their questions, concerns, problems etc.”
The event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.
