Government Plans Second Chance Program for At-Risk Youth

Government’s latest crime plan is not only about arrests and emergency powers. It also aims to give at-risk young people a way out, while holding accountable the adults who recruit them into criminal activity. National Security Minister Michel Chebat says a new Second Chance Program will bring government ministries, churches and non-governmental organizations together to support vulnerable youth. At the same time, government plans to pursue stronger action against those who exploit minors for crime. Here is how Chebat explained the two-pronged approach.

 

Michel Chebat, Minister of National Security

“There will be the implementation of a Second Chance Program that will focus on youth between the ages of 15 to 23. This will be done in collaboration with a cross-section of ministries, including Human Development, Ministry of Sports, MIDH, Natural Resources, Fisheries, Agriculture, and Labor, as well as the churches, NGOs, and the business community. The reforms are also targeted to increase penalties for adults who recruit and use minors to commit crimes. So that not only those executing the crimes but also those who are the masterminds will be targeted. These adults are taking advantage of vulnerable young people, luring them into a life of crime and despair. They must be held accountable for the crimes being committed by these young individuals. There will be the establishment of a National Security Advisory Committee that will be made up of a cross-section of our community, including the churches, NGOs, the media, and the opposition. Fighting crime is not only the job of the police, but it is everybody’s business.”

 

Police will also step up checkpoints across the country. Vehicles without license plates and tinted vehicles will be stopped and searched. Chebat is asking the public for patience and cooperation.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: