Today the Minister of Justice, Mr. David Dick, paid a working visit to the Island of Saba. During this visit the Minister went over the Youth Policy Plan as well as some other programs that are in effect for Saba. This plan was developed by Saba and executed by the Department of Education; however, the Ministry of Justice has provided the funds for the prevention programs.
Mr. Dick made the police recruitment campaign part of his agenda as he visited the schools and spoke to the local students. A video and presentations were given to the local youth on what it is like to be a police officer on the Islands. Minister Dick hopes to encourage the youth to join the force and serve their local islands and stated that they welcome people with all kinds of skill-sets – since there will be a place for them.
The Minister also signed for the expansion of police facilities which include the renovation and maintenance of the Police Headquarters, as well as a gate to be installed on the Harbor pier. The harbor gate should give the police a firm hold on immigration and securing the port. Another police station in Windwardside is in the works as well. Mr. Dick briefly spoke about the new immigration software system saying that, "The software for immigration has proven successful and effective. Thanks to this system we can, at this moment, have a clear idea of who is coming in and out of Saba."
The Minister also spoke about the various prevention projects that are running on Saba. Many of these Youth programs that have been USONA funded on Saba have been successful. Some of the projects currently on Saba are: Vocational training in Carpentry, Home Economics, Housing Project, as well as a Theater Production, Awareness for Animals/Nature, and teacher training in communication with students. The concepts of these projects proved very positive on Saba, and Minister Dick hopes the other islands can learn from this and implement them as well.