A Community Concert was held on Sunday March 1st to celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the Pan Against Crime Initiative.
The initiative was launched on February 20, 2008 by, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in conjunction with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; the You Lou Pan Movement and the then Social Investment Fund (SIF).
The main objective of the program is to utilize the steel pan as a means of occupying young people, so that they can harness their skills and channel their energies positively.
Since this initiative was launched, a total of fifteen steel bands have been formed in several communities and schools throughout the country; and over four thousand young people have benefited directly.
The Concert was held at Retreat, Vermont which began at 4:30 p.m., with a session of praise, worship and exhortation led by the Penniston Apostolic Faith Mission Church.
There were performances by the Police Band, Symphonix and Epic Steel Orchestras; along with other cultural performances from students of the Dubois Primary and Buccament Bay Secondary schools and the Police Youth Clubs within the district. During the event, the Vermont Police Youth Club would be officially launched.
Remarks were delivered by Commissioner of Police, Colin John, Chairperson of the Pan Against Crime Committee, Ms. La Teisha Sandy and the Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Hon. Cecil Mckie.
The theme for the Pan against Crime initiative is “Play a Pan, Arrange a song, Build the mind, Down with Violence and Crime”.
