Trelawny top cop adopts marching band

Western Bureau:

Sergeant Wayne Wallace, the 2017 Lasco Top Cop for the parish of Trelawny, has decided to adopt the Trelawny All Stars Marching Band, which is facing financial challenges and is struggling to remain functional.

Wallace announced his decision to take charge of the band during its recent official launch ceremony at Falmouth Pier in the western parish.

According to Wallace, the plight of the band caught his attention when he learnt that they were badly in need of a proper set of uniforms to outfit the 35 members. He was instrumental in securing the $800,000 needed to cover the cost, thanks to a generous donation from Michelle Tinglin, who is part of an organisation which seeks to be involved in mentorship.

"We always seek to invest in youths who, in many cases, face serious challenges," said Tinglin. "I am happy to be involved in a project like this and I hope it will transform the band."

Speaking after the handing over of the uniforms, which was done at the launch, Andre Williams, the bandmaster, said he was quite elated about both the adoption of the band and the new uniforms.

Attractively dressed

"It could not have come at a better time, " said Williams. "They (the band) are now attractively dressed, and this will help to make them more recognised and marketable."

And, in regards to marketability, Shellion Rhoden, the business manager at the Falmouth Jamaica Land Company Limited/ Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, said her organisation has taken a decision to hire the band to perform at the pier.

"We have decided to employ the band once day per week at the pier," said Rhoden. "They will be paid to entertain cruise ship passengers on the pier. This involvement will go a far way in increasing the variety of attractions we offer to our cruise guests."

...'I will continue to inspire the youth'

Sergeant Wayne Wallace, whose campaign for the Lasco Top Cop was under the theme, 'Inspiring Youth Through Mentorship', said his winning the competition would not bring an end to the role he has been playing in providing mentorship to young persons.

"I have won the competition, but the theme will continue," said Wallace. "This is a unique experience to give youth strength to resist violence, drugs and alcohol, and make good choices, as well as to bring parents and communities together to support education, among other worthwhile enterprises."

With help coming their way, Williams said the band could now focus on increasing its complement of instruments to include marching snare drums, trumpets and alto saxophone.

A committee is working along with Wallace not only to help the band grow and become more established, but also to set up a centre to assist students with homework.