Local Magistrate Gloria Augustus is urging about 30 young men who have in the past fell on the wrong side of the law that positive change is not far-fetched.
Augustus was addressing the close of a summer program dubbed, From Offending To Achieving (FOTA), which was held from July 16th to the 22nd 2014 at the Social Center.
According to her change is “certainly not business as usual”.
“It is certainly not about why I got to know some of you, it is why I recommended you to come here for the program,” she said. “That’s all I want. Change. It is about why I keep on speaking to you, it is also about what will determine your future.”
Augustus told the juveniles that while “growing old” is mandatory, “growing up” is voluntary and as each day passes they will change and experience change.
“As you will get older your features will change, but as to how you live your life and grow from this young person that you are into an adult will depend very much on you, but we can also help you in that change,” she stated. “You have to be part of that change, part of that growing up.”
She pointed out to the youngsters that their future is shaped and determined by them only.
“Your future depends on many things, but mostly you, you, you, you…” she emphasized. “The future determines also what you do in the present. Your court appearance is in the past, every day is your present. I expect that every day that you wake up that you say you are going to change and that you don’t add to your future coming back to the juvenile court.”
She stated the FOTA program is assisting but, “you have to decide to grow up.”
Augustus noted the 10-day program was not a form of punish but a way to provide assistance.
Meantime Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, Esther Thomas, told the young men that their ways determine how far they reach in life.
“In life your attitude determines your altitude and good attitude takes you higher heights,” she stated. “And so I want to encourage you to have good attitude in life.”
The program was funded by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat and the Juvenile Justice Project and was held under the theme “We can make a change.”
Participants who attended in the program fully received a certificate.
You take care of your donkey from a very young age ,you take that donkey to the river for a drink of water but you cannot oblige the donkey to drink….
indeed some parents needs good parenting lessons in as much as some might not have had good parenting either so they end up passing it on…nonetheless as a human being growing up with a sound mind we have to decide what is best for us
…i am sure that each one of us have a family member with grown kids ,that we can say that they are well taken cared of in all ways but there is always a small percentage that refuse to obey and do what ever they feel like…so not all parents are to be blamed for kids bad behaviour…my dad died he never had a report to the police against him but my brother almost killed someone .can someone say it’s the education that he received from his parents.no !it is not ,,,he bits every woman he would have a relationship with.did he see that at home?never! he simply wants to do what ever he wants.
the only thing i can tell these young people growing up is …you alone have the key to your future..neglected opportunities that are given to you when it is gone it is well gone…good luck …
Good stuff.. I wish other judges would follow suit.
This is heartening that the young offenders are getting help to better themselves and make something better of themselves. I hope they pay heed. They are young and have many years ahead of them. Therefore, they should do their utmost not to waste their God-given precious allotted time.
Life is short; is temporary and how that time flies. How many are there who will say, “If only I knew and if only I could turn back the clock.” I doubt that there is not one adult who may not have that regret.
Time waits for no one. It can never return. Therefore, young people, please make the most of it and do what is best for you. In so doing, your life will be a happy one. You will also make your parents and other members of your family happy that you are doing something to elevate yourself. Be kind to others as you possibly could.
Think also, one day you may be fathers and mothers and will be responsible for nurturing, disciplining your children and caring for their livelihood until they become of adult age.
You do have various responsibilities in your environment, and the world in general. Do not be overwhelmed. Simply do whatever you can and what you do, try to do your best.
On a spiritual note, you should look to God, worship him and pray to him without fail.
Our God is a God of second chances and even more who looks down on all of us adults and youths alike. He wants what is best for all of us, for you. May He bless you, direct you and guide you.
The Lord has said He will never forsake us – you. He will never leave you orphans. He loves you. Therefore, no matter what, look to him always, in worship and prayer.
Wherever we reside, we must all pray for one another and for our country. Dominica will be a better and safer place for it.
Mam O Man! you so called parents have no shame.This was not the job of a Magistrate it is very thoughtful and considerate of him because he is dad himself. Before you comment the children should know their mother and father,these offenders does not even know who their father is
very poor parentage. I hope in the next budget every one who own a computer pay $50 licence each year for misusing it.The magistrate does not punish anyone he is not GOD HE SEND YOU TO A PLACE TO REFORM.give the bible a chance
Ms. Augustus is one of the more positive contributors to the wellbeing of society. I wish her the best as well as the gentlemen who made this conscientious effort to improve their lives.
great job
You mean themmm ebody punish me y had a pep talk for past offenders and criminals and some politicians and lawyers were not invited? What about some pastors and priests.
If i lie somebody punish lang mama
I do not think you should depend on the lawyers for obvious reasons.
For the priests and pastors, what they preach is contained in Holy Scripture according to the Word of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the disciples. From time to time a good, encouraging word could be helpful.
Consider that parents are the primary educators. Then the schools they attend. Discipline should be taught in the schools. This is for the government to decide and implement.
Then, the friends they associate with. They should steer clear of bad company. These are contributing factors which cause youths who are vulnerable and gullible to go astray.
change is a must ..well said gloria hahahaha