Malik Richards, two, explains to Insp Curtis Paul of the North Eastern Division Community Police, left, what he wants for Christmas. At right, Secretary of the Vegas Community Council, Beverly Sylvester at a Christmas party held in the area, last Sunday. PHOTO: MARCUS GONZALES

The lives of some young people in Vegas, a community in Morvant once dubbed as one of the country’s major crime hotspots, could be facing a major transformation. The involvement of children and young adults in community programmes have so far shown positive results, in that there has been a great reduction in crime within the area. Secretary of the Vegas Community Council, Beverly Sylvester said her organisation has been working behind the scenes to keep young people in the area away from deviant behaviour.

She spoke with the T&T Guardian last Sunday at a Christmas party held for underprivileged children within the community. “The public has us down as negative people, criminals, murderers and people who are involved in drugs and a life of crime. “Let me say that is not as many may think it is. “We believe people can change, and that is exactly what has been happening here, in Vegas.” she said. Sylvester said the community has begun to benefit from its transformational mode, and its results were evident.

“When last you hear there was a shooting, murder, robbery or people getting lock-up down here for drugs and guns?” she asked. She added, the organisation, which has been in existence for the past five years, has been working closely with the North Eastern Division Community Policing Unit. Sylvester also expressed gratitude to Neal & Massy, Caribbean Petrochemicals, Fernandes and Andy’s Industries, for the support the companies offered the community over the past year. Head of the North Eastern Division Community Police, Insp Curtis Paul said the Vegas community was no longer viewed as a crime hotspot.

Paul also urged other villages to use Vegas as a role model in bringing about change in their communities. He also praised the work of his officers and the council. Paul said the majority of young people who are involved in the Morvant Police Youth Club, came from the Vegas community. The club is managed by Sgt Wendy Thomas and PCs Alicia Greaves and Jason Carter.