The community came alive with energy and hope Saturday evening as hundreds gathered at the Joseph Aubain Ballpark in Frenchtown to take a stand against escalating crime in the territory.
The 22nd annual event is part of the National Night Out Against Drugs, Crime and Violence campaign, held under the theme: "We’re starting with the person in the mirror — only you can make that change."
The event was sponsored by the Law Enforcement Planning Commission in concert with the V.I. Police Department, Project Safe Neighborhood, National Guard, Port Authority, Crime Prevention and the Health Department.
Youngsters marched with energy and determination from Emancipation Garden to the ballpark in a procession that included marching bands, dancers, majorettes, a carnival troupe and a steel band. Hope reigned over the evening as speaker after speaker let the youngsters know that people care, that there is a productive side to living.
"Badness is out of style," was the message from guest speaker Frederick Morton, chief executive officer of the TEMPO music-video channel.
The evening’s two Young Male of Excellence honorees echoed the value of community, along with education.
"A good education is the key to success," said Karim Roberts, 18. "I feel if everyone does their part, together we can make our islands a safe and enjoyable place."
Kaheim George, 15, stressed the value of good manners, proper behavior and education.
With that education, George said, his goal is "to give back to the community by becoming a police officer." He continued, "My dream is to be the St. Thomas-St. John chief of police."
Police Commissioner Novelle Francis Jr. left that very position in 2007 on his way to his present post. Dressed in a bright white V.I. Police T-shirt that said "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child," Francis strolled through the crowd shaking hands, greeting youngsters, and chatting with most everyone.
Clearly pleased with the crowd, Francis said, "This is the most we’ve every had." He continued, "And look at all the parents tonight. They have a lot to do with the children. Kids aren’t born bad."
Along those lines, Francis cited recent gang workshops being held in the community.
"It’s important to get to the root causes of what is going on," he said.
V.I Superior Court Judge James S. Carroll III stood attentively by the bandstand, tapping his foot to the rhythms of the CAHS chorus.
"I really love this group and this song," he said, as they sang "Rhythm of the Night." "I spent many years in the LEPC. This evening has really grown. That’s great to see. It’s a positive way to address all the community."
The ballfield was filled with activity from the time the bands poured in. Flemon Lewis and the other masters and mistresses of ceremonies stayed busy just keeping up with the groups.
They included the CAHS marching band, followed by the school’s JROT; the St. Thomas majorettes, dressed in Carmen Miranda outfits with bananas bouncing on their heads; the Junior Firefighters, marching in bright yellow helmets; the Sebastian Majorettes; National Guard; Savan Boys Club; Boys and Girls Clubs; and St. Thomas Rescue.
Children of all ages, some hanging on parents’ hands, ran around the park sparkling with joy and fun, shouting to each other as the older youngsters paid close attention to the speakers.
The Frenchtown Civic Organization, a pillar of the community for the past 60 or so years, was honored as Community Organization of the Year. The organization built the French Heritage Museum, and sponsors Bastille Day, Christmas Tree Lighting and whatever French celebration strikes its fancy throughout the year.
Herbert "Herbie" Lockhart, who died Sept. 22, was posthumously honored as Business Person of the Year. As a contingent of the bountiful Lockhart family stood by, Flemon Lewis described Lockhart as a "generous person who could never say no." He continued, "Herbie always provided us with tents, tables, chairs. When we heard he was ill, we wanted to honor him. He was so friendly and supportive of the community."
A new entry this year was a small contingent of the YWCA, led by Donnalie Edwards-Cabey, who inaugurated the local group last year. Also new this year was a Crime Stoppers booth, manned by volunteers Maria Ferreras and Albert Richardson. The local program has become an integral part of fighting crime in the territory in its barely one-year existence.
V.I. Parents Uniting Schools and Homes (VI PUSH), is another newcomer. The territory-wide group is part of an international early childhood parent-education program.
