John and Dawn Kennedy of All Things ATM Belize have taken much interest in San Pedro Youth Cadet Corps and made substantial donations to the group. Since its inception on February 2014, the corps has grown substantially and now has over 20 members. The cadet corps was formed by the collaboration of the San Pedro Neighborhood Watch Committee and the San Pedro Police Department, to promote youth involvement in the community and as a preventative for youth crime.
On Saturday, October 11th Dawn Kennedy presented Cadet Instructor, Police Constable (PC) Juan Chuc with a check for $500. The donation will be used to acquire uniforms for the new recruits as well for other expenses that the cadets incur. According to Deputy in Charge of Police, Inspector Henry Jemmott, the assistance received for the Kennedy’s is essential to the continued growth of the group. “Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have taken great interest in the San Pedro Youth Cadet Corps. We need support like this from the community. The cadet program can be so beneficial to the island community for keeping children out of trouble and away from criminal activity, but it needs the support of the community in order for the program to keep going,” said Inspector Jemmott. The cadet program had been dormant in San Pedro for nearly five years before it was re-started.
In other news, Inspector Jemmott has stated that the first floor of the second building of the police barrack project will be used for a small educational facility for the cadets. The educational facility will have computer systems for the children to use for homework purposes, as well as a lounge area for the children to interact with one another. “The children need a safe environment where they can do homework and mingle with one another. This is what we want to create, a space where the cadets can come after school and get things done,” said Inspector Jemmott.
The Kennedy’s are also on board with this project and will be providing further donations once construction is completed. “The cadet program is a positive program for the youth and provides ground for the children to become better persons in the community. It is important that we give back to the community. These children are our future; as such we need to ensure that they are being raised properly. We need to work together with the San Pedro Police Department and support projects like these,” said Kennedy. In addition, a portion of the proceeds received from the ATM machines of All Things ATM Belize will be given not only the San Pedro Cadets but to cadet programs from across the country.
The San Pedro Youth Cadet Corps hopes to grow to at least 50 members. Anyone interested in having their children join the program can contact PC Juan Chuc at 607-9033.
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