Nothing more rewarding - Retired DCP Grant calls on adults to mentor youth
Published:Monday | October 15, 2018 | 12:00 AMJodi-Ann Gilpin/Gleaner Writer
The elation and pride she felt after being recognised at yesterday's National Honours and Awards ceremony at King's House in St Andrew could not be hidden, yet retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Novelette Grant used the platform to call on Jamaicans to make themselves available to mentor young people.
Grant was inducted into the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for her sterling contribution to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
In an interview with The Gleaner, she noted that her interactions with young people have revealed that many of them lack guidance from responsible adults.
"In truth and in fact, our community policing principle in the JCF speaks about solving problems, police and community together. Some of these problems will have to be solved when there are joint efforts between sworn officers and members of the community to deal with some of these risk factors," Grant said.
"One of the issues we hear from a lot of youth right now is the idea that adults are not available for them to talk to. So when they have issues that plague them, if they don't have somebody who can guide them and show them the consequences of their choices, other issues sometimes emerge. Those of us who have gone through the journey and have the experience are expected to mentor and help the youths."
Reflecting on her own journey as a member of the JCF for more than 30 years, the retired cop said she was proud of the opportunities she got to help the vulnerable, including women and children.
IT'S ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE
"For me, it's about helping people. It has always been; that's the tradition I grew up in, as it relates to my family. I think whatever area, work or occupation I pursue, it's about ensuring that persons who need help have somebody to listen to them, and you are called upon to provide some of the answers they need," said Grant.
"When you have children and young persons who say my life is going in this direction because of the mentorship and the support that you have provided, there's nothing more rewarding. You have adults who say the same thing."