Whatever became of ‘My Path’?

This was expected to commence since September 15, 2005. The programme is supposed to be residential, lasting for a period of three years, managed by the Army and paying a fortnightly stipend. It targeted teenagers, ranging from 14 — 18 years.

Two hundred and forty persons, both male and female, were registered. My Path’s objective was to teach the youths a skill up to a professional level and also ensure they complete their academics, in order to make them marketable and steer them away from a life of crime.

This was an excellent initiative by the PNM Government, or so I thought. It seemed too good to be true, as up to this day no one has ever printed an advertisement or an apology in the newspaper, letting parents and registered potential participants know what is going on. I must admit that this is a great example of indiscipline to our youths, which is a crime in itself.

These are the people we have to entrust our children to. What will they be taught, indiscipline? That it is okay to promise and not fulfill it? Or to let someone put his/her trust in you and then, just take it away, without a word? This type of behaviour already contributes to youths being angry and delinquent today, as they do not know who to trust.

I could have registered my son in an alternative programme, but did not, as I was concerned that as soon as he started, they might have called him and what little money I had spent, would have been wasted. We were assured that My Path would be the ideal programme for him to attend, as discipline would have been one of the main benefits of it, beside the skill and academics.

As crime is the main focus of the day especially among our youths, and we are trying our best to keep our children out of trouble, it would be nice to get a little feedback from whoever is in charge, as to which way we are going with this programme.

Is it still on as promised or was it scrapped? I am sure that some of the children who have registered are anxiously awaiting their call and others disappointed with that kind of treatment. Someone in authority, please communicate with us. We need to know.