25/01/2014
Peace and Guidance;
Greetings,
Since its inception, The Bon Accord Community Action Council (CAC) has been mandated to make its mark in contributing to the reduction of crime and violence in the Bon Accord Community. It is an affiliate of The Citizen Security Programme (CSP) which is an initiative of the Ministry of National Security. The CSP’s objective is that of contributing to the overall reduction in crime and violence in communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
Our Goals and Objectives are to:
• Assist in the reduction in the levels of homicides, robberies, and wounding in the Bon Accord community
• Assist in increasing the perception of safety in the Bon Accord community
• Assist in the reduction of injuries related to fi****ms, child maltreatment, domestic violence and youth violence
• Assist in the increase in the collective efficacy to prevent violence in the community of Bon Accord
In meeting the demands of our objectives, we had many challenges, some of which still seem to hunt us even today. These include: a deflated sense of participation and commitment by the members of the CAC; the bureaucracy of approval and funding; the long delays of approved payments in reaching the suppliers of goods and services and the overall frustration amongst those who are willing to work. The chilling reality is while all this is happening; lawlessness and crime continue to occupy the front pages of our newspapers. Our hearts weep silently as our Island’s children see nothing but gloom and doom ahead. The question is, how long are we going to allow our hearts to weep? And how long are we willing to wait before we present our children with the hope of a brighter future?
After consulting with others, I have decided on a new initiative; an initiative that would change the face of the CAC and by extension that of the community. I have already started to meet with all the stakeholders within the community to discuss and strategize (Discussion notes will be sent to all CAC members and the CSP). This is in an effort to find new and innovative ways of working together to attract the community’s attention away from the negatives that surround us. Therefore in this regard wouldn’t it be prudent to claim Bon Accord a ‘Model Community’, not just on this beautiful Island but throughout our Twin Island State and the Caribbean?
It is with great passion and enthusiasm I sincerely call on all members of the Bon Accord CAC to renew your participatory commitment and to selflessly give of yourself in ensuring we achieve our objective within the remaining two years and beyond.
Here is a list of some projects and programs to be considered (some are new and others are to be continued):
• To continue with our Film in Education Program
• To establish a village/community watch group
• To influence the formation of an umbrella sporting council
• To facilitate the running of a Small Goal Competition
• To facilitate the introduction of an alternative sport namely Roller-skates
• To influence the formation of an umbrella religious council
• To launch a Carnival Campaign to deal with the negative fallout from Carnival
• To establish a Homework Center
• Reward policy for students
• Kids on the job program
• Interactive Student visits to Prison and other security agencies
• To Establish a Suspension Center that would deal with delinquent students whenever they are suspended
• To encourage the community to participate in the ‘Adopt a Child’ Program
• Parenting and local Book study program
• Healthy lifestyle initiative within the school
• Career day
• To facilitate a ‘Success Youths Mentorship Program’
• To continue with our outreach program targeting high risk individuals
• To produce a documentary on the community of Canaan/Bon Accord
• To publish a quarterly Magazine specific to Canaan/Bon Accord/Crown Point
• To pilot an intervention program entitled ‘Let’s Meet and Greet’
• To establish a research committee that will specifically address our constitution and make recommendations
• Emergency Management Training including Oil Spill clean-up
• To designate Milford Plaza Car Park and the Bon Accord Play Ground an alcohol and drug free zone
• To start a visit program for the sick, elderly and special needs individuals
I encourage you to make suggestions and recommendations. Thank you.
Sincerely
Umar Abdullah
Chairman
Bon Accord CAC
