Earlier in the newscast, we told you about the anti-crime vigil that was held in San Pedro Town last night. Earlier that day the Town Board, in partnership with local businesses, launched a summer camp that has on express intention: to keep the island's children away from crime. We found out why that's such a priority in this crime obsessed community.
It had the air and combustion of a street carnival in July but these young people were celebrating the launch of a summer camp. It's the basic camp activities, but the goals are lofty.
Debbie Spain, Camp Organizer
"We take them to Hol Chan where they learn about the reef. We take them to beautify San Pedro on a whole and we just make sure that they know that San Pedro is a tourism place and it is for them and their kids when they grow up."
In fact, with San Pedro currently in the throes of a wave of violent crime - 10 businesses from the community have put together $10,000 to make sure there is an alternative to idle hands finding summer fun in the devil's workshop.
Mayor Elsa Paz, San Pedro
"The reason for having this summer program, or youth program, is for the children to have something to do during their summer holiday instead of just circling on the street doing nothing."
Debbie Spain,
"It is for the kids of San Pedro to take them off the street with drugs, alcohol, and other illegal substances that might be out there, especially right now with all this crime happening in San Pedro. We need to let the kids know that its being out is not only for crime, its also for a good purpose."
And for Jose Carlos, the camp will make a meaningful difference.
Jose Carlos, Camp Participant
"If I wouldn't be in this camp, I would be doing bad things on the street."
And while we'll take his declaration as more mischievous boast than genuine criminal braggadocio - his determination to stay right makes it clear that the "end crime" message has infected every sector of this community.
130 children are participating in the camp.
