G.O.B. Invests $2.9M in L.I.U. and Life Skills Programs
The work of the Ministry of Home Affairs in addressing the root causes of gang violence has seen the establishment of the Leadership Intervention Unit. It has also seen the creation of other programs that are aimed at getting at-risk youths off the streets and enrolled in academic and life skills training sessions. During his Budget presentation, Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa announced that government has set aside almost three million dollars to fund these initiatives.
Kareem Musa, Area Representative, Caribbean Shores
“For the first time in our history and as has been acknowledged by the member for Albert, under the leadership of Mr. William Dawson, the team at the Leadership Intervention Unit, including concerned citizens, educators, pastors, businessmen and women, we now have two point nine million dollars dedicated solely to stemming the tide on the gang culture that has ravaged Belizean families and homes. Under this program, Madam Speaker, not only are we providing gainful employment for three hundred at-risk youths in our apprenticeship program, but we have enrolled two hundred and fifty at-risk youths in life skills programs, attending sessions two days out of the week, literacy classes, numeracy classes, emotional intelligence. Madam Speaker, there is also a training aspect in small engine repairs, plumbing and electrical. I want to say big up to Dr. Lorna McKay, Vernadel Bailey and others who are committed to bringing true reform, counseling and personal development to our young men.”