Sheila Prince: Beetham children must not be left behind

The retired police inspector in charge of the Beetham Police Youth Club is hosting a fiveday etiquette training camp at the youth club.

The camp began on Wednesday and ends on Monday.

Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Prince said children must be “well grounded” and taught good social skills.

“Honesty, manners and respect need to be instilled in them,” Prince said.

Children must know how to walk, speak, eat and have good table manners from a tender age. They must be instilled in all children, including Beetham children. We are here to teach them that they can also experience the finer things in life because they are a part of society.” Prince defined etiquette as “a way of manners and how you behave around the table.” She said it was important that children understand etiquette so that they can teach their parents and others.

Apart from etiquette training, the children have also been learning about drug abuse and alcoholism.

“We are teaching them the negative effects of drug abuse and how using drugs can affect the brain. People are telling children don’t use drugs, but they aren’t telling them why.” She said the children have also been told they must have a goal and they must dream.

Prince said the camp is knowledge-based and she believes in “teaching children the basics through knowledge.” She said some people just don’t see etiquette as important and it is often put on the back burner.

Indra Mohammed, grandmother of two campers, said today’s lack of etiquette stems from broken homes.

“A lot of people aren’t taught how to behave at a table because sometimes you just get a piece of bread and you sit down on the corner and eat your bread. You don’t have time to sit at a table. Poverty also has something to do with it.” Mohammed said Prince “tries her best with these children and she really works hard.” One of the children at the camp, 10-year old Jalise Telesford said she learned about having good character.

Jadon Fortune, seven, said he learned the importance of having integrity, while 13-yearold Justin Nunes-Xavier said he appreciated learning good table manners.