NY-based Grenadian group concerns about lawlessness among youths on the island

NEW YORK, March 20, 2011 - A New York-based group of Grenadian women have expressed concerns about the ease in which young people in Grenada could purchase and consume alcohol.

The Grenadian-American Young Women’s Association (GAYWA) conveyed their concerns at a weekend meeting in Brooklyn, NY with Foreign Affairs Minister Karl Hood.

“Minister, I am concerned about the lawlessness among some of young people, and the ease in which they go about buying and drinking alcohol, even in public,” said Nicole Douglas, a member of GAYWA.

“Drivers, mainly on private buses, are also seen openly drinking behind the wheels,” she said.

Minister Hood, who also met with members of the Diaspora Consultative Committee, NY, promised to bring their concerns to the attention of Commissioner of Police, James Clarkson.

“It’s good to know that young people are concerned about issues which affect them,” said Mr Hood. “The laws are there but what we need is stricter enforcement and I will convey your concerns to the relevant authorities.”

The young women also shared concerns about under-aged children being allowed to enter night clubs and concerts.

Minister Hood congratulated the young women for engaging other young people in the Diaspora to assist Grenada. He said that an integral part of the Diaspora Initiative will be the involvement and contribution by first and second generation Grenadians.

“The government has given its full commitment for this initiative and commend the organisers for including a youth segment in the upcoming conference,” he said.

The Minister was referring to on-going preparations by organised youth groups in New York, Toronto and London to stage youth summits ahead of the Diaspora Conference in Grenada.

The GAYWA also updated the Minister, Consul General Derrick James and Merle Clarke and Anthony Howard – committee members of the DCC, NY on the process of planning for the Youth Summit in New York on May 14.

“We believe that the advancement of a community depends largely upon the education and empowerment of its youth. We hope to instil core values and to foster the spirit of unity and self-development,” according to GAYWA.