Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 22, 2021 (SKNIS): With the growing concern over the increase in the use, misuse, and abuse of cannabis (marijuana) among youth in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Kitts & Nevis National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention Secretariat held a training session for education counsellors on Monday 19th April 2021, at the Jessups Community Center in Nevis.
Mrs. Karimu Byron-Caines, Director of St. Kitts & Nevis National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention Secretariat, an agency that falls under the Ministry of National Security, said that part of the responsibility of the Secretariat “is to ensure that effective prevention, treatment, and other intervention programmes through education and training are made available to the persons we serve in this Federation.”
“We have had many calls, numerous calls, especially lately, of persons expressing concerns of the increase in marijuana use, misuse and abuse amongst our adolescents in the Federation, and as such we have had official overseas training through the Organization of American States (OAS) where Miss Zahra Jacobs, your trainer for today travelled to Mexico to undertake this training in Cannabis Youth Treatment Series One.”
Mrs. Byron-Caines said that the manual and training are “designed to help train substance abuse treatment counsellors and other counsellors to conduct a brief five-session treatment intervention for adolescents with cannabis use disorders presenting for outpatient treatment. It combines two sessions of Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and three sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in a group format.”
“We all know, and we are aware of the effects of marijuana, especially in our youths. We have heard it especially in our schools where the students are sometimes coming to school high, causing some behavioural problems. We are seeing challenges with the academic performance and so we are pleased to be offering you the front-line counsellors hands-on material for an effective programme. It’s going to take you effort; it’s going to take you dedication; it’s going to take some planning, but the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention is here to support you, to assist you in any way,” Mrs. Byron-Caines said.
Ms. Zahnela Claxton, Principal Education Officer (PEO) in the Department of Education on Nevis, said that the training will prove beneficial.
“This training will no doubt provide our counsellors with additional tools, which they will surely find useful. In an age where edibles and smoking are the norms of our young people, it is imperative that we provide the necessary support for them,” Ms. Claxton said.
Ms. Sandra Maynard, Director of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Development in the Nevis Island Administration, welcomed the training and said that with the increased cannabis use in high schools, it is important to reach out especially to you At-Risk-Youth and youth offenders.
“In January of 2020, I attended the unveiling of the CFYR (Communities, Families and Youth Resilience) Project Baseline online study of communities in our Federation and paid special attention to results of young persons’ involvement in delinquent activity. Of those surveyed in the 10 to 29 age group in St. Kitts and Nevis, youth in their controlled communities were using marijuana or other illegal drugs at a rate of 47.8 percent,” said Ms. Maynard.
She added: “The controlled communities if I understand correctly, were those identified by the project as the high-risk communities across the Federation. Those youth not in controlled or high-risk territories admitting to using marijuana and other drugs was reported as being 23.7 percent. To be fair to the efforts of my CFYR colleagues, there was some reported reduction of controlled substances by the end of the project, but that number reported 30.5 percent, but 30.5 percent is still one that gives cause for serious concern, and more importantly, a call to action.”
Ms. Maynard added that the COVID-19 pandemic has had mental health effects on children and youth and some perhaps have turned to drugs to help them to cope.
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 21, 2021 (Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs): The Probation & Child Protection Services Department hopes to turn youth’s love of social media into a force for good, as they hosted a Camp called ‘The Positive Use of Social Media’ from April 6th to 9th at the CUNA Conference Centre, Fortlands.
The Easter Camp was attended by forty (40) adolescents who were nominated from various high schools across St. Kitts, based on their ability to become ‘positive social media ambassadors’.
According to Supervisor in the Probation Department, Ms. Tivanna Wharton, the Camp’s theme was chosen to help youth learn how to use social media channels, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok in a positive way. “We realize that social media and technology are central to their lives right now, and so we want to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills, tools, and information to use social media and technology to their benefit and to the benefit of those around them”.
Noting that the Camp was experience-based, Ms. Wharton informed that the teens participated in fun activities and listened to several presentations by impactful facilitators, including Ms. Markysa O’Loughlin, who presented on monetizing the use of social media, Mr. Enoete Inanga, who talked about the value of being positive, and Probation Officer Mr. Stephan Joseph, who gave youth tips on photography and professional self-presentation on social media channels. The Camp was also enhanced by a session on Substance Use by Drug Prevention Officer, Ms. Ichelle Huggins, and encouragement by residents of Her Majesty’s Prison, who cautioned the youth to “soak up guidance” so that they would not end up in jail.
“The children have been very receptive to the content, as well as the parents – they have been calling us daily to say that they are happy and that their children are excited and have been going to sleep early because they don’t want to miss the next day. It has been a success!” the Supervisor advised. She thanked the many officers of the Probation & Child Protection Services Department who were instrumental over the week in organizing and coordinating the Camp activities, including Probation Officer Ms. Trevicia Clarke, who rallied to have the Department restart its Youth Camp outreach.
“It is our intention to design more programmes in the future that are activity-based and would resonate with our children,” Ms. Wharton said, adding that the Department also hoped to host a Summer Camp this year and establish stronger partnerships with the business community for future youth activities.
For more information on upcoming events and to render your support and partnership, please contact Ms. Wharton at 467-1311 or via email at tivannawharton.govkn@gmail.com
Basseterre, St. Kitts (Rotary Club of Liamuiga)— On Wednesday 14th April, 2021, the Rotary Club of Liamuiga officially kicked off its 2021 book drive, an effort that was made possible by the generous donation of thousands of books and reading material, spanning all age groups and a wide array of topics, by the Second Wind Foundation. Reviving the love of reading in our population, more specifically, among the Federation’s youth, is the one of the major goals of the Rotary Club of Liamuiga.
The book distribution initiative is an ongoing programme of the Club and has spanned some 5 years thus far. The club made a generous donation of 30 boxes of books and other reading material to the Charles A. Halbert Public Library in Basseterre. The books were received by an enthusiastic staff, who were equal parts inspired and grateful for the donation.
The Club hopes to continue the initiative over the coming months, which will see continued donations made to libraries and schools across the Saint Kitts and, with the kind collaboration of the Rotaract Club of Nevis, will also be extended to the primary schools on Nevis as well.
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 12, 2021 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, today, Friday, March 12, handed over five new computer labs to five primary schools in St. Kitts that will enhance the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the classroom.
The five schools that benefited from this generous contribution by Ross University were the Edgar T. Morris Primary School, Estridge Primary, Violet Petty Primary, Sandy Point Primary, and the Newton Ground Primary School.
Brief ceremonies were held at each school today to symbolically cut the ribbons and hand over the computer labs.
The ceremonies were attended by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; Minister of Education, the Honourable Jonel Powell; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. William Vincent Hodge, and Dean of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Sean Callanan.
While delivering remarks at the Edgar T. Morris Primary School, Dr. Callanan said that Ross University recognises the importance of access to education and its link to the development of the Federation.
Dean Callanan told the students that, “There are many things that help you succeed in the world. Your parents and your wonderful teachers believe it or not also help you succeed. But also, what helps you to succeed is your access to education and not everyone in the world has access to education. Access to education is very much dependent on governments, very much dependent on what they can put in place and here in this country they have been doing a wonderful job in enhancing your educational experience so that you are ready to take on the world over time. And so, we were delighted in 2016 when we did get the opportunity to partner and help empower the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to a better education.”
The Honourable Jonel Powell noted that Ross University has long been a responsible corporate partner here in St. Kitts and Nevis.
He added, “This partnership…with Ross University is one that we’re very appreciative of especially at this time where we are not just facing local but indeed international challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that resources are scarce, however, Ross University has stuck to its commitment to partner with the Ministry of Education and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and this morning we are able to bring online five computer labs in five primary schools across St. Kitts.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Harris said through this initiative, Ross University has effectively brought the knowledge of the world to the fingertips of the nation’s children.
“Today’s contribution and donation of computer labs to five schools will ensure that we empower our students to be able to contribute and to become beneficiaries of the stronger and safer future. I want therefore to thank the Dean on behalf of all of us in St. Kitts and Nevis for the constructive role that Ross University and all of its affiliated entities have been playing in the socio-economic life of the country. Thank you for also recognizing that part of the giving back to society is dictated by the quality of the corporate social responsibility which we see depicted in one way here through your efforts to assist in the digitalization of our curriculum development in St. Kitts and Nevis,” Prime Minister Harris said.
In addition to the five recipient schools today, Ross University had previously upgraded or delivered brand new computer labs to five other schools on the island.
]]>March 1, 2021 (Basseterre, St. Kitts): On Friday February 26th, Tropical Shipping through their Local Agent Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd. was excited to reintroduce the annual scholarship program which benefits students. Traditionally, the scholarship provides school uniforms and textbooks for exceptional sixth grade students who require financial assistance as they transition into high school.
Prior to the pandemic, Tropical Shipping would award several students in the Federation with scholarships. However, after being unable to continue the program in what would have been its fourth consecutive year in 2020, the team returned to the drawing board.
Through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Liamuiga, Tropical Shipping was able to access funding through its parent company Saltchuk to award three previous recipients from the class of 2019. Under the context of COVID-19 and remote learning, each student was awarded with a laptop, wireless mouse and external storage device to aid in their scholastic efforts.
The three recipients were Leron Walters of Washington Archibald High School, Dominique Maynard of Saddlers Secondary School and Shanelle Shoy of Charles E. Mills Secondary School.
Tropical Shipping wishes them continued success on their journey through high school and the years beyond.
]]>Basseterre: St. Kitts, February 22, 2021: Island Purified Water stays true to its commitment to supporting the Newton Ground Primary School as they once again donated disposable masks, hand sanitizers, hand soap and other that will aid the school to effectively adhere to the Federal Covid-19 protocols.
The presentation of the supplies was handed over to the School’s Principal, Mrs. Michelle Rochester Woodley, on 19th February 2021 during the general assembly by the Director of the Company, Mrs. Pandora Powell.
Speaking on behalf of island Purified Water, the Financial Manager, Mrs. Fernella Gumbs-Liburd, uttered the joy felt to be giving back to the Newton Ground community through partnership with the school. She expressed, the endeavour has been ongoing since the start of the academic year 2020-2021.
“At the commencement of the school year, we provided the school with disposable masks, hand sanitizers and hand sanitizing machines…”
Mrs. Gumbs-Liburd further stated that the company pledges to continue to provide the school with the essentials that helps to mitigate the spread of the corona virus as long as it is still a threat to lives.
“Caution is the parent of safety, and your safety is a priority to us…Island Purified Water will continue to provide the school with all the necessities during these difficult times” stated Mrs. Gumbs-Liburd.
In expressing gratitude to Island Purified Water, Mrs Rochester-Woodley, lauded the company for their continued partnership and expressed that the company “epitomise Alma Andorozzo’s gospel song “If I can Help Somebody”
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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, February 22, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris is applauding the church community in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis for the important role it plays in not only educating but assisting parents on how to bring up their children in faith and being well-disciplined in their day to day life.
“We have heard the words of encouragement from Pastor Roysdean Richards, who is also a guidance counsellor at one of our high schools, as he recommended the young parents on how they should bring up their beautiful daughter, and not to rely on the community to help them raise their child,” said Prime Minister Harris on Sunday February 21 at the end of a dedication service for a baby.
The Honourable Prime Minister was among family and friends who attended the worship service which was held at the Good News Baptist Church in Lime Kiln, West Basseterre, where Pastor Roysdean Richards dedicated Baby Amalia Whyte who was supported by her parents Ms Patricesia Brown and Mr Amal Whyte, and godparents.
“As a nation founded under God, and we are ceaselessly thankful that the church is playing a crucial role in ensuring that our people recognise that there is place for God in our lives – our children included,” said Dr Harris. “This is something that I encourage, and the reason my Government affirmed its support for the church by creating the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs when we first got into office in 2015.”
Prime Minister Harris thanked the young couple for developing the moral compass of putting the interests of their daughter first and using the church as a platform to give the child a strong foundation that will make her a model citizen of the country. With the country’s young people exposing their children to godliness, the church and the Sunday school, Dr Harris observed that the country’s future looks great.
“As we come to dedicate, this is like the honeymoon,” said Pastor Roysdean Richards to the parents and godparents of Baby Amalia. “But then it comes to the responsibility of raising – that is the part many parents have dropped the ball. It is all good to have the honeymoon and everything is good now because – look at that little bundle of joy – but think there is the responsibility of raising that child.”
The parents were advised that God would hold them accountable for the raising of the child, and they should not depend on the community. He added: “Yes, we are grateful when the community can help, but the responsibility is yours.”
Pastor Richards further told the new parents that the training they will give their daughter involves discipline, and implored them not to be afraid to discipline, and not to bother with the neighbours when they tell them anything different.
“It is your child,” said Pastor Richards. “I am not saying abuse, but you are responsible for disciplining that child. The Bible still holds strong and true when it says ‘spare the rod… boy, some of the parents say that they wish that they used the rod… spoil that child’. God is going to hold both of you accountable for the raising of this child.”
Baby Amalia was presented with a miniature New Testament by Pastor Richards who told the parents: “It belongs to her, and let she keep it by her side. Let her go to sleep with it next to her, and as she gets to the place where she can read it, let her begin to read the word of God. I am telling you, you will have no regrets. It would always lead her in the right path.”
At the end of the dedication service, Mr Amal Whyte said: “I just wish to give thanks to the Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris for coming and showing his support, on this our baby’s dedication. I will take good care of Amalia – I have been doing that, I will just continue with the help of God.”
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 17th, 2021 (ZIZ News) As part of activities to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of changing its name, the Tucker Clarke Primary School formerly known as The Newtown Primary School took an unconventional route to the celebrations by having a switch-a-role day on Wednesday where teachers assumed the role of students and students took on the role of being teachers.
Principal, Devon Harris said that the participation of both teachers and students made the initiative a success and explained that the rationale behind this activity is to prepare the students for the world of work.
“One of the things I think that is important here is that the students are now given the opportunity to understand the responsibilities of being a teacher, the responsibilities of being a principal and so it teaches them these things and prepares them for the world of work and I think that’s one of the main objectives of an activity like this.”
Throughout the day students were seen delivering lessons to their classmates and teachers were engaging in ring games. There was also a student assuming the role of the principal.
Principal Harris said there will be more activities commemorating the 21st anniversary.
“We have a few more activities culminating our month long celebration, tomorrow (February 18th) we have Rep your House where the students are expected to come dressed in their house colours decked out from head to toe, Friday (February 19th) is our regular t-shirt day-we’ll be using the students to write the number 21 with an overhead view of that and next week we have our annual house spelling bee the students are now given the opportunity to rep their house at an academic level and our final activity is the African pride day where everyone comes dressed in their African wear.”
Principal of the Tucker Clarke Primary School, Devon Harris.
]]>BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, February 11, 2021 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Understanding that tertiary level education makes one of the greatest contributions to the Federation’s overall growth and development, the Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris-led Team Unity administration remains resolute in its commitment to assist its citizens and residents to pursue and achieve a higher education.
Prime Minister Harris gave this reassurance when he addressed the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, February 10. At that ceremony, students of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) and the Nevis Sixth Form College were presented with scholarships to continue their educational journey.
“Education is empowerment. The ability of a good education to lift people up and inspire those around them should not be underestimated,” said Prime Minister Harris in his remarks.
The prime minister stated that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should be able to access a high-quality education.
“For this reason, my Government has directly supported hundreds of students with their economic costs and other fees payable to Universities such as UWI, UVI, Monroe and other institutions around the world. These beneficiaries include national scholars and runners-up, teachers, and other civil servants and persons drawn from both the private and public sector,” Prime Minister Harris said.
Over the last 5 years, the Team Unity administration invested over $50 million in the tertiary level education of hundreds of persons, including 50 teachers pursuing their master’s degree.
$10 million was budgeted for 2021 to help defray economic and other costs of students’ participation in tertiary level training at the University of the West Indies (UWI), University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Monroe College, and others.
Prime Minister Harris said this has been the strongest and most consistent support at the tertiary level ever provided, but noted that the Government cannot do it alone.
“An all-of-society approach is required. The private sector too must support education and training. We must continue to find other good and caring corporate and non-governmental citizens, in the same vein as Ross University. It is not just the wish, but a determined goal of my government, that the new legacy for successive generations of St. Kitts and Nevis, is that every child who has the capacity and the desire for tertiary education, is afforded the means or mechanism to achieve this. Let it be that none in St. Kitts and Nevis shall be denied,” the prime minister said.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 29 2021 (ZIZ News) East Basseterre Resident and Attorney at Law, Natasha Grey has embarked on an initiative to improve the literacy skills of the children in her community with the official launch of the East Basseterre Book Club.
In an interview with ZIZ news, Grey said the idea came to her through a conversation she had with teachers who said some children still have difficulty reading.
She said the club is aimed at children ages 4-16 years.
To officially launch the club, Grey said she will be hosting a launch event on Saturday 30th January at the Newtown Community Center.
She spoke about what persons can expect when they attend the launch.
She encourages especially the teens to take advantage of this initiative because it is an opportunity for them to enhance their reading skills.
Grey said persons interested in donating books to the club can contact her at 466-9839 or visit her office on Pond Road.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 26th 2021 (EMU) Mrs. Carla Mills-Diamond, Education Officer, has offered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Education, highlighting the accomplishments of the Dieppe Bay Primary school throughout the past 25 years.
She was at the time speaking during the schools Anniversary celebration on Monday.
Mrs. Mills-Diamond praised the students for their “ability to rise to occasions”, and the teachers for their innovation and creativity in continuing to ensure that school still does amazing things.
She also mentioned that they were finalists in the Independence Road Relay, Beautification Competition, Courts Reading Competition and the Brimstone Heritage Quiz Competition.
The school also boasted best in Test of Standards for Grades 4 and 6.
Cue In: “ But the accomplishment that ….
Cue Out: …hear it for the Dieppe Bay Primary School.”
The Dieppe Bay Primary School is celebrating its 25th Anniversary under the theme:
“Amazing Things Still Happen Here”.
Yesterday, 21st January 2021, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) launched 2021 as the United Nations designated year for the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour; to bring awareness to the issue of Child Labour and to implement programmes designed to eliminate child labour. The programme will utilize a three-pillow approach to act, inspire and scale up the fact that children deserve their childhood.
In the region of the Americas, the issue of ‘Child Labour’ is being addressed through the Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free from Child Labour, whose goal is to work towards the elimination of Child Labour by the year 2025. St. Kitts & Nevis is signatory to this initiative, which is five years in the making. To date, the Regional Initiative has been developing a key role in the implementation of 2021 being the year for the elimination of Child Labour. In particular, we pledge to make 2025 #withoutchildlabour and #endchildlabour.
]]>(EMU) – St. Kitts, Friday, January 15, 2021: Curriculum developers along with the Monitoring Implementation and Support Team (MIST) gathered on January 15th to review the ongoing piloting of the enhanced curriculum that Started in September 2020.
Director of the Curriculum Development Unit, Amanda Edmead explained the purpose of the MIST session. “The purpose of this session was to receive feedback from coaches, who are charged with the responsibility of monitoring and guiding teachers in the use of this curriculum.”
The enhanced curriculum is a student-centered document which directs the quality of teaching and learning framework within the classrooms to ensure that each child develops their full potential personally and academically. This curriculum is being piloted on Grades 4 and 6 within selected Primary Schools across St. Kitts and Nevis.
According to the Principal Education Officer (NIA) Zahnela Claxton
the quantitative data gathered during this session will be used to guide the decision making process to ensure that there is a curriculum of and for St. Kitts–Nevis that contributes to effective schooling.
Such a workshop is a testament to the strides that the Ministry of Education is making as it advances the Federation’s education system.
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Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 08, 2020 (RSCNPF): The Commissioner of Police has pledged that The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) will continue to support the youth of the Federation.
Speaking at the recently held Opening Ceremony of the Explorers Clubs Headquarters, Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy said that the Force believed in the creation of loving, caring and supportive environments for young people to develop into healthy and productive members of the community.
The Explorers Clubs have been rolled out through a collaboration between the Ministry of National Security and the RSCNPF. To date there are twelve (12) clubs around the country with over 1,000 members. Police Officers assigned to the National Intervention Team coordinate the various clubs and the Team’s Leader, Inspector Rosemarie Isles-Joseph, is credited as the movement’s Founder. The initiative is considered an important part of the Force’s community policing effort.
“The vision was clearly laid out in our Strategic Plan in 2016…the Force decided that community policing would be one of our main priority areas and it was also decided, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, that youth diversion educational programmes would be the centrepiece of the new vision,” Commissioner Brandy disclosed.
He said that the construction of the “state-of-the-art building” represented an unprecedented interest in the nation’s youth, adding that through the headquarters and the clubs, greater ties between the Police and the community could be forged.
“We truly believe that with the construction of this edifice, a new era of cooperation between the community and the Police will be realised. It is our belief that this building and the young explorers will result in improved public support and trust in the Police.”
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 31, 2020 (SKNIS): The Explorers Youth Clubs now have a permanent place to call home following the official opening of their headquarters in Phillips Village.
The new 10,420 sq. ft building was opened by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. The Honourable Timothy Harris, at a ceremony on Thursday, December 31, 2020. It was built by M&D Construction at a cost of $2.47 million. It features a number of amenities for the members of the twelve Explorers Clubs across St. Kitts. Each club is expected to have weekly sessions there when the threat of COVID-19 ends.
Project Engineer, George Gilbert of the Public Works Department, congratulated Myron Percival and his company M&D Construction for the excellent work in building the facility. Mr. Gilbert said that the sleeping rooms with accompanying bathrooms for males, females, and staff will allow camping events. Also featured are a recreation room, offices, a common dining room and kitchen, and a laundry area. There are three 500 gallon water storage tanks on the roof.
In giving remarks, Prime Minister Harris referred to the incredible growth of the Explorers Movement, which started in July 2017 with the launch of the Mol-Phil group. Since then, other communities have joined including Tabernacle, Shadwell, Cayon, Newtown, Lodge, Old Road, Dieppe Bay, St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s, Trinity, and Newton Ground.
Dr. Harris said that there are over 1,200 hundred explorers and he expects the numbers to continue growing as other communities have signalled an eagerness to establish clubs.
“This is a legacy development in the context of law and order in our country,” the prime minister stated. “This is a legacy initiative that generations after us will speak to as being an important stabilizer of our society and contributing to the advancement of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He added that the government remains committed to the empowerment of young people as well as the rule of law within society. This is reflected in the record amounts allocated to related ministries for the 2021 fiscal year.
The Ministry of National Security was allocated over $86.1 million. The Ministry of Education received over $103 million, while the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture was allotted over $10 million.
Prime Minister Harris appealed to parents, businesses, and other stakeholders to join with the government in building a stronger and safer future for all.
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