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 | Press Release
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| Kemp Road Urban Renewal Programme
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| Bahamas Information Services
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| 03/01/2006
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NASSAU, The Bahamas--- Acting Inspector Frankie Mather of the Kemp Road Urban Renewal Programme said on Thursday, (February 23) that the programme is having a positive impact in the area.
Actg. Insp. Mather said crime has decreased considerably in Kemp Road.
“We have managed to keep it to a minimum. However, we still have a lot of work to be done,” he said.
The Kemp Road Urban Renewal Programme was introduced on August 1, 2004, in an effort to address social ills, demolish dilapidated structures, assist elderly persons, and to help build youth character.
Actg. Insp. Mather said there are three notable projects underway - the Boys and Girls Clubs, a Senior Association, and a Block Association.
The Boys Club, she said, was started as a result of business properties being defaced by graffiti. The ages of the persons involved resulted in authorities opting not to prosecute. Instead members of the business community supplied paints and the boys repainted the properties.
In addition, an after-school programme has been established to assist children with homework and to help improve their reading skills.
She added that summer school programmes were also introduced to teach the children about craft work. Young persons are also given the opportunity to learn a trade if unable to qualify for tertiary level education.
The programme also helped find jobs for persons who had difficulty finding employment.
Actg. Insp. Mather also noted that the community will soon have a “marching band for the children.
“And the children are really excited about starting this band. The children are crying for help” she said. “All they need is an adult who is willing to give them some attention. We are trying to change the mind set of children and adults alike.”
She said a programme was also introduced for students who were suspended from school. They are required to meet every morning in their uniform at the Urban Renewal Office to engage in community work.
Actg. Insp. Mather said one of the challenges constantly faced by the Urban Renewal Programme is to convince persons that are alcoholics to undergo rehabilitation, and remain in the Alcoholics Anonymous until the programme is completed.
She added that alcoholics in the area range in age from 18 to 90.
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