Operation Future was born on the 6th day of February 2005.
Operation Future was initiated by members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, its goal was to develop an interactive program beginning in the school system. The program was to educate the children about the dangers of youth, crime, violence and drugs.
It is believed that educating the youth in these areas using a format that was entertaining and interactive would prepare the children for the challenges in modern society. In addition the participants of Operation Future would provide positive role models to the children and would be available to the children, their teachers and their families to aid in the positive social development of the children.
Recognizing that the social problems found in modern society in St Kitts & Nevis have to addressed in a proactive manner Operation Future targeted the young believing in the philosophy that it is easier to keep a child on a righteous path than it is to pull him back to the path once the children strayed.
However, it was also recognized that a true solution required all levels of society. So Operation Future is committed to work with the youth at all levels, including primary and secondary schools; and venture into the community to work with the parents and assist in re-building the strong village needed to raise a child in today’s challenges.
Our work includes conducting presentations in the schools, communities, church and social groups. The goal of these presentations is education and awareness.
The impact of Operation Future is not just in a group setting as its members are committed to provide one on one mentorship in addition to working in group settings. Members are encouraged to adopt a school Primary School and in due course we hope to have sufficient members to adopt Secondary Schools as well. These members will form part of the social fabric of the school and will be there as a resource for students, teachers and parents.
All children are members of Operation Future. We believe these children are the cornerstone of our future, if we take care of the children they will take care of us.
Recently, Operation Future has expanded to become a true community police initiative as members of the general public join the ranks of Operation Future.
Our work is great, our membership is small, please review our website and if you believe you can contribute to Operation Future please forward your contact details to one of our members, our e-mail addresses can be found below in the biographies of our membership.
On 3rd March 1995 I was enlisted as a member of the Royal St. Christopber and Nevis Police Force. I have worked at the Special Services Unit (SSU), Traffic Department, Court and Process, Charlestown Police Station and the Strike Force/Anti-Gang Unit where I am presently working.
While growing up, I always admired the way in which Police men would look when dressed in their uniform. The poise and posture and the way in which they carried themselves. It was from that moment in my young life, that I knew I wanted to be Police Officer. Someone who could stand out in a crowd and make a huge impact in the lives of the young and the elderly, especially the young. I wanted to help people in the best way possible as far as my career and human nature would allow me to.
Since being in the Police Force I have gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist residents and vistors alike and have done without fear or favor, treated everyone kindly and with respect.
My main reson for being apart of Operation Future is to see that the young ones, especially those of school age get a good education, stay away from drugs, guns and violence and anything that is of a negative nature that would impact thier lives for the worst in the near future. I would also like to foster a relationship between the police and children so that they are aware of the good work that is done and not be afraid nor have negative feelings towards the police at large.
I hope to see Operation Future get better and bigger as time goes by.
My hobbies are: singing, dancing, meeting new people and socializing with old and new friends.
It was never my first choice to become a Police Officer. I always wanted to be a teacher or a nurse. But as I grew older my career choices changed. It was a battle between teacher and Police Officer. In April of 1996 while at home in Montserrat I heard the advertisement, requiring police officers. I immediately applied, sat entrance examinations, interviewed and was accepted.
I then went on to train at the Regional Police Training Centre at Barbados where I underwent training for six (6) months. On completion I returned to Montserrat where i worked until October 1997, resigned and migrated to St. Kitts where i applied to join the force and was accepted.
I was enlisted into the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis on the 11th December 1997. During the years that I have spent in this force, I have worked at Court and Process, Cayon Police Station, Traffic Department, Frigate Bay Out Post and Beat and Patrol and is currently there.
Being in Operation Future has allowed me to work more with children, to learn from them and understand their needs. I have become knowledgeable in the areas of gangs, drugs, guns and violence associated to this area and how it impacts on our children. I have also been able to bond with children and learn the social and family issues they face which causes concern in their lives.
It is a pleasure for me to be a part of Operation Future. And I could boldly say along with my colleagues that we don't regret being a part of this wonderful and vibrant group that impacts the lives of the very young and all of those that are young at heart.
Hobbies/Interests: Swimming, networking, meeting new people, socializing and dancing.
Remember: SUCCESS COMES BY HARD WORK AND DEDICATION
As a young girl I always admired uniforms the way the were worn be it the police, army or even the firemen. As a result I joined the cadets but didn't last long as my father disapproved of some of the activities as a girl and even more the punishment. So I then joined the Girls Brigade where I also fell in love with the uniform, the marching and the fact that I got to be incharge of some of the yoounger girls in the group. I enjoyed the authoritative role I played. I also enjoyed teaching the girls whatever I knew. We all grew like family and I felt good helping to teach the younger ones discipline, manners and deportment. In 2002 I enrolled into The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. It was there and then I made a decision to make a difference in my country in trying to keep the peace and uphold the law. By the grace of god I think I have been do a good job. I have worked on The Beat and Patrol for couple of years and was transferred to the Task Force/ Strike Force and is presently at the SSU Department working hard to curb the gangs and voilence in the country. When I was told about Operation Future I was overwhelmed to join such a group who's goal is to save our children from the gangs,drugs and violence in the federation. I love children even though I don't have any of my own but I have owned so many god children and still going. I believe our children are our future and if we don't protect and save them we'll have no future it will be gone like dust in the wind. So it is my intension to strive for the betterment of our children both in St.Kitts and Nevis. I also hope for Operation Future to rise above and beyond and one day become a regional project. I also hope to build a relationship with the parents as they have a major role helping us to help their children.
Hobbies: dancing, singing, reading, travelling and socializing.
I began working for the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in 1985 as a Sustitute Prison Officer. I stayed there until August 1989. I then left and joined the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, as there were no positions available for Police Officer I was enlisted in the capacity of Special Constable. I continued as a Special Constable until March 2009.
The drills and deportment of the police force is what drew me to the Police Force. I was always fascinated by the manner in which officers carried themselves with such pride. Having attained retirement age, I left active duties however a pleased to continue to be part of Operation Future.
I joined Operation Future because of my love for children and young people and it is my desire to assist them in working for change and a better future for the youth of our country. I hope to see Operation Future continue to grow and expand to include outreach programs and help those that are less fortunate.
I am therefore appealing to the General Public to come on board and asssit us in any way possible, whether it be financial or otherwise.
I grew up in Toronto, Canada and came to St Kitts in December 2005. My Father an ex Police Inspector and Businessman was murdered here, which made me come to St Kitts to take care of the Family Business. While in the Federation I got to love St Kitts & Nevis and made it my home. I then decided that I wanted to start my own Radio Show which caters to love songs. The show, Quiet Storm" became an instant hit and I became a very popular Radio host in the Federation. After being in the Federation for only six months I decided to use my talents and life experience to become a motivational speaker and reach out to the children encouraging them to stay in school, get an education and let their light shine. I find that the kids here are not getting enough love and attention that is needed in their life. I became part of Operation Future a year ago to help the young children to become good citizens in the community. To refrain from Drugs, Gangs, Prostitution and Alcohol, and let them focus on their education. The loss of my Father and the increased violence in the Federation told me it was time to reach out to the young children of today. Show them love and respect and educate them about Gangs, Drugs and Prostitution so that they can go on and have a great Future. I want to know that I've made a big difference in some of the younger generations life. Being part of Operation Future gives me the experience in reaching out to the kids, their Parents and the community.
Hobbies: Playing Basketball,Hockey,Baseball going to sporting events. I also like to read Romance Novels.
Message for the youths: Children hold on to your Dreams.
Dan describes himself as a Nevisian-come-late in life. Dan and his family have made their home in Nevis since July of 2000. Prior to relocating to Nevis Dan was a practicing attorney in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada where he was a senior partner in the law firm of Hawkins MacMullin. Dan's area of specialty was criminal defense work. As a defense lawyer Dan represented defendants charged with almost every offense known, of varying ages and both sexes. Amongst his clientelle were people who simply made a mistake to hardened criminals who had choosen a life of crime.
Prior to becoming a lawyer Dan was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In July of 2000 Dan decided to escape the stress of the practice of law and relocated to Nevis with his wife, Joann and three children. Dan currently makes his living in the area of international corporate and trust services.
Recently, Dan noticed a disturbing trend in Nevis, the visible presence of American style street gangs and they were having a negative impact on the people of his new home. Dan became active in the Nevis Community Anti-Crime Initiative and began utilizing his expertise learned as a police officer and then a defence lawyer. Dan became a regular speaker about the dangers of gangs and the criminal lifestyle and how the community must become aware of the dangers and in particular reach out to the children of the Federation and assist them in making positive choices in the their lives.
Dan was honoured to be asked to join Operation Future as he believes every child deserves a childhood and with the right influences every child will grow to be a productive member of their community.
Dan's family since moving to Nevis has expanded and the summer of 2009 saw his family welcoming a little girl into their fold.
Dan describes himself as a lawyer by craft but a craftsman by love, he spends many hours with his children fabricating wood and steel. In addition he enjoys weight lifting, diving, spearfishing and deep sea fishing. But most of all Dan enjoys spending time with his family.
Jacinth ‘Shakki’ Smithen was born 30th April and raised in Upper Cayon. Her present career began at the early age of 4 and like most artistes; it was nurtured in the church that served as a foundation and inspiration for her talent. When questioned by father what she wanted to do when she grew up, she simply smiled and replied, “Sing”.
Her voice continued to develop during her youth years, performing at talent shows in her primary school and during morning assemblies. At the age of 16, while attending the Cayon High School, she joined a hotel band named Damanju. Shakki performed at various shows throughout the island where she was encouraged by promoters to pursue a career singing R&B, as she possessed very smooth and soothing vocals.
Despite the appreciated recommendation, she continued to expand her repertoire to include various styles of music especially soca, and her persistence earned her the chance to perform in soca bands in St.Kitts , Nevis and Anguilla as well as numerous times internationally in places such as Miami and New York where she performed with the popular Caribbean soca artistes. In 2002-2003, Shakki clinched her first soca monarch title during the St. Kitts and Nevis carnival events. Her popularity increased and so did her appeal to a wider audience, especially children.
Shakki’s persistence paid great dividends in the form of winning the 2005 road march title during Culturama on Nevis. This achievement created history as she was the first woman to do so and this lead to her becoming a very popular figure.
Despite her on stage energetic performances and often dubbed “the small lady with the big voice”, off stage Shakki keeps a quiet, humble and low-key image. Her love for children and the opportunity to convince them to follow their childhood dream persuaded her to join the Operation Future family. She is a true testament to the saying despite life obstacles stay positive; don’t give up and you’ll achieve.
Alison was born in South Central Los Angeles, California, USA on April 20th 1968, the last of six children. She grew up in the “60’s neighborhood “, - the home of the infamous “Crips” but she recalls the block she lived on and the surrounding blocks as family oriented, friendly, peaceful and pleasant. However, she does remember the sounds of sirens and helicopters flying nearby frequently. Usually not of any concern to her at the time because she was blessed to have a strong family of loving parents who sacrificed for her and siblings who helped nurture & guide her, which was not common in that neighborhood. Her parents did everything they could to make sure she wasn’t “common”, with education being the key. Her father worked hard to instill the principles of black pride and black power in her and he and her mother saved and sacrificed to send her to private school where they encouraged her to participate in activities and went on to demand from her a college/university education which she received from the ‘all black’ Howard University in Washington, D.C. They settled for nothing less. And nothing less they got! A happy and healthy childhood still is a blessing to Alison as she often sees her parent’s values in her as she, along with her Nevisian husband, Ricky, raise their daughter Maura.
In 1999, after teaching in Los Angeles for eight years and acquiring a Masters Degree in Educational Counselling, Alison decided to relocate to Nevis. Her Aunt, Uncle and their family had already made Nevis their home. It took only one visit and she fell in love with “lovely Nevis.” Alison married her husband, whom she had met on an earlier visit to the island, in 2001 and they have one beautiful 4 yr old daughter.
Education has always been a pivotal part of her life. She was taught to value it and use it to her advantage. Alison believes in the holistic development of children. “If we aren’t open to every element of learning & teaching “we miss the boat.” This is evidenced through Alison’s involvement in all areas of the developmental process. She has coordinated and been a mentor for the St. Anselm Youth Group of LA, 1993-1997; Counsellor, National Youth Sports Program at California State University Los Angeles, 1993; Project Issues, Summer dissemination Institute 1995; Was part of the Teacher Summer Science Academy, California State University, Los Angeles 1995, Participated in UCLA Principle Methods for Teaching Reading 1996; in 1999 was awarded a Fellowship from the National Endowment Association to serve as a team member for the development of a nationwide geography curriculum held at the University of Chicago. She was the founder and director of the Guidance and Study Skills Tutorial Program, Nevis 2001-2004; Principal of the Lyn Jeffers School Nevis 2004-2006 and presently is the Guidance Counsellor at Ivor Walters Primary School, Prospect, Nevis. Alison is serving her second year as the President of the Nevis School Counsellors Alliance (NeSCA).
Alison’s love for children has been her motivation throughout her career as an educator. She sees this opportunity to be a member of Operation Future as another teachable moment.
Alison enjoys reading, networking, traveling, spending time on the beaches of Nevis, making a difference in the lives of our youth and spending time with her family.
