MPs Ameen And Alexander Launch Anti-Crime Sport Initiative In Macoya
A new campaign promoting peace through sport was launched on Republic Day.
The first-ever ‘Peace Cup’ at Constantine Park in Macoya brought youth, families, and entire communities together in a celebration of unity and positive engagement.
Hundreds of athletes came out to support the initiative, hosted by the Members of Parliament for St. Augustine and Tunapuna.
According to St. Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen, the event was designed to create positive opportunities for young people in the community through sport. She also credited the success of the initiative to the strong support received from various stakeholders.
« Today there will be over 500 athletes participating and that is so positive you know, so I want to thank our sponsors, our organising committee, and the Minister for supporting myself and Roger Alexander in this big football clash, this Peace Cup. »
Tunapuna MP Roger Alexander noted that the Government is working to shift the public narrative surrounding citizens’ involvement in criminal activity. He emphasised that meaningful change must happen now to discourage individuals from becoming actively engaged in crime.
« That is what we doing here. So, instead of running down a man, thieving his things and jumping his wall and invading his premises, come and run down the ball and kick it in a goal and score. That is the option we giving you. »
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts also endorsed the initiative, saying that it serves to showcase talents from the grassroots level.
« Minister would have mentioned the peace. I was speaking to most of the footballers this morning and they are telling me that this is the way they come together to try to solve the crime and stop the crime in the communities, so, they are out here this morning and I am here to give my fellow MPs full support. »
MP Ameen also indicated the Government’s intention to continue the Peace Cup initiative focused on other sporting disciplines, including windball cricket.
