Young sportsmen and women must be law abiding citizens – Deputy Director of Prisons
Being a role model is one of the few characteristics which will enable other persons to become role models in today’s society. That is according to Deputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, as he addressed a gathering of youths at a rent forum in New Amsterdam.
The senior corrections officer noted that discipline plays a key role in personal, social and professional development. He says that in the prison service, they act to bring about change in persons who would have committed wrong acts in society, that is, those who are sent to prison because of their bad behaviour. “If you are not disciplined in your everyday life, it means that things can get bad for you and instead of continuing in school, taking your CXC, going on to university or the Teachers Training College and having successful jobs, you can find yourself behind the prison walls.”
Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels
Samuels, who is seen as one of the leading officers in maintaining order among prisoners, added that the institution takes the responsibility to teach prisoners to become better citizens. “It would be better off if you did not go to prison at all.”
He says success can only be achieved through dedication and good interpersonal skills. “The success of any child in the community can no longer be merely the responsibility of parents. Successful children and successful communities will come about as a result of community participation. It means that each and every one of us must play a vital role in terms of guiding the young minds so that they do not go astray.”
As it relates sports he said young athletes must be able to set goals and also maintain a balance between academics and sports. “If for some reason there is a lack of community involvement in your day to day life, it means that you would have been lacking in many ways. Today we are aware that many households are without fathers, hence the community has a responsibility to provide that father figure for our youths,” Samuels said.
He also noted that it is important for young sportsmen and women to be respectful to elders at all times.
