Police honour youths who do the right thing

While the Police Department is mourning its former leader, it also took time today to honour those young citizens who have defied the stereotype of disaffected youth.

Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
You are looking at the faces of some of young Belizean men and women who have been doing the right thing. The students, who represent twenty-three high schools across the country were chosen on the basis of the positive work they?ve done in their communities. Today they were awarded for their efforts.

Gerald Westby, Police Commissioner
?Much too often young people are only highlighted in crimes. But there are a lot of young people out there who are doing the right thing.?

Like seventeen year old Ramona Garcia from Independence High School. Garcia topped the list of winners.

Ramona Garcia, 1st Place Winner, Do the Right Thing
?I want to assure all individuals who have had an input in implementing this programme that I will persist in doing my best, and being exemplary to the other youths.?

Garcia says coming from a poor family may have been tough at times but she made sure she did not use it as an excuse for failure.

Ramona Garcia
?To do the right thing I have been working to provide financially for myself, and also I have been active in other youth activities, especially in my village.?

?Youths who are at risk I would just advise them to have this mentality of not giving up and never bring down themselves when they feel like, but to strive more.?

Police commissioner Gerald Westby says that while too many youths are getting into trouble with the law, it?s uplifting to see there are young persons who have being overcoming the challenges.

Jacqueline Godwin
?It was encouraging to hear that you guys plan to make this an annual one.?

Gerald Westby
?Well we certainly do. We want to reach out not only to the high schools, but to other youths who are out on the streets, if you want to call it that, and less fortunate kids also and big them up equally.?

Four other students were also awarded prizes.

Nuri Muhammed, Community Relations Manager, Police
?It was the reward for all of us that it was an effort that we made. It had its challenges, but its purpose was clear that we wanted young people to understand that we recognize and acknowledge you. We are not only doing verbally but we want to make it ceremonial that it is good, it is important to do the right thing.?

If you would like to support the Do the Right Thing Programme please get in touch with the Police Department. The business community is especially urged to get involved.