As students prepare to return to the classroom, senior officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) are delivering a message that goes far beyond books and school supplies: the choices young people make today could determine the course of their lives.
The message came during the RSLPF’s Back-to-School Assistance Programme at the Northern Divisional Headquarters in Gros Islet, where families received essential school supplies and vouchers to help ease the financial pressure of the new academic term.
But officers used the occasion to offer students something else — mentorship, encouragement and a direct warning about negative influences.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Elvis Thomas, who oversees Gros Islet and Babonneau, urged students to recognise education as one of their greatest opportunities to shape their futures.
Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, Thomas reminded them that “education is the most powerful weapon that one can use to change the world.”
“You have that opportunity, as young as you may be, to start shaping your future,” Thomas said. “It does not start when you get to twenty years… it starts now.”
Thomas said education remains a lifelong journey, noting that he and other senior police officers continue to pursue further studies.
His message became particularly pointed when addressing young men, as he urged them not to become part of troubling patterns involving crime, drugs, incarceration and violence.
“We see so many of our young men who are being killed, who are doing drugs, who are going to prison,” he said. “Let you be the men of tomorrow — the man who is going to stand up and make a difference.”
Superintendent Eldeen Henry, Officer in Charge of the Northern Division, also warned students about the power of peer pressure, encouraging them to carefully choose the people they allow into their circles.
“I know at your tender ages, being influenced by people is something that is a reality,” Henry said. “I would like you to ensure that you surround yourself with positive people.”
He also assured students that the police are prepared to support them when challenges arise.
“If for some reason you find yourself in a situation which you need our assistance, we are here to help,” Henry said. “Whatever area that help is required, we will find the assistance for you… lean on us to provide that support.”
Inspector Errol Henry, who is responsible for the Dennery and Richfond Police Stations, said providing children with the tools they need for school allows them to enter the classroom with “renewed hope and confidence.”
The initiative forms part of the RSLPF’s wider community policing efforts, presenting what officers described as a “softer side” of policing while strengthening relationships with communities and encouraging young people to stay away from crime and drugs.
As another school year approaches, the message from the officers was clear: school supplies can help students get through the classroom door, but positive choices, education and the right influences can help determine where they go from there.
The initiative was generously sponsored by Lastic Football Academy, Blue Taxi, Taxi Trading Inc, ATV Experience and the Gros Islet North Youth & Sports Council.
