Operation Future to address Second Meeting of Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Technical Working Group

George Moody Stuart School students singing during an Operation Future presentation

ZIZ News…Feb 28, 2012 — St Kitts & Nevis’s own Operation Future, recognized by CARICOM as a best practice regarding the issues of youth crime and violence has been selected to address the noted conference.

Operation Future was initiated by members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, its goal was to develop an interactive program beginning in the school system designed to reach children and educate them about the dangers of youth, crime, violence, drugs and introduce police officers to the students as friends as opposed to simple enforcement figures. To teach the children that police officers are someone they should trust, not fear and possibly aspire to become.

Since its inception Operation Future has undergone a change and its members are now drawn from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police force and from all branches of the community. Its membership is drawn not just from the local community but also maintains a list of associated members from other nations whose expertise can be drawn on and utilized. The sole bond is a concern for our children.

Operation Future would be best described as a proactive organization that believes in a holistic approach to addressing the issues of youth, crime and violence. In essence education, mentorship and intervention are more effective than handcuffs when addressing the issues of youth crime and violence.

P/C Lauston Percival, the founder and President of Operation Future is pleased that his organization is receiving such high praise internationally.

The specific topic to be addressed is the ground breaking “Back Against the Wall: A Course on Life” initiative that Operation Future has piloted at Cayon Secondary School. The program idealizes what can be done through interdisciplinary and international partnerships, this program is a result of the combined efforts of national partners Operation Future, Community Cohesion Foundation (Nevis), AD.vantage Communications, Her Majesties Prison, recording artist Nicha B and Delisle Walwyn & Co Ltd. and international partners, Professor Melanie Nimmo, University of Winnipeg, Canada, Regina Anti-Gang Services and Shyne studios.

Operation Future is entirely funded by the private sector and it appreciates all support that it receives from the community. Please visit our website at www.sknoperationfuture.com for additional information.