Police were out in full force Tuesday as hundreds of people - mainly youths seeking jobs - gathered at the Hilton for Tuesday's launch of the Colour Me Orange Program.
There were long lines and a long wait, which caused some of them to get impatient. This led to a small fracas, which led to the arrest of at least one person.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who launched the program, later expressed concern about what happened and issued a statement noting that the incident itself demonstrates why the job creation program is desperately needed.
The statement is reproduced below:
“This morning well over 2,000 young people gathered at the Hilton to celebrate the beginning of an immense social change programme, an element of which is called ‘Colour Me Orange.’
"Ironically, the urgent need for the programme through education, skills training, parenting, mentorship and employment was underscored by an unfortunate incident of violence after the programme concluded.
"While we will continue to be intolerant of any indiscipline and lawlessness, the incident that erupted so suddenly is symptomatic of the very problem the initiative has been developed to address. That is why I referred to the need for ‘Colour Me Orange’ and the whole 300 million dollar social agenda employment programme launched as a State of Urgency.
"We cannot continue to ignore these signs of frustration and dysfunctional relationships. It is easy to simply condemn what occurred without looking at the root cause of the issue.
"While we will continue to be intolerant of any indiscipline and lawlessness, the incident that erupted so suddenly is symptomatic of the very problem the initiative has been developed to address. That is why I referred to the need for ‘Colour Me Orange’ and the whole 300 million dollar social agenda employment programme launched as a State of Urgency.
"We cannot continue to ignore these signs of frustration and dysfunctional relationships. It is easy to simply condemn what occurred without looking at the root cause of the issue.
"Instead of giving up as so many have done in the past we will seek a clearer understanding by creating a more enabling environment, rather than seeing these misguided young minds as a problem, we will pursue solutions such as ‘Colour Me Orange.’
"The unfortunate, sad outbreak of violence is unforgivable and I condemn it outright but for me it is also unforgettable. Turned inside out, it is a cry which we emphatically began to answer this morning.
"The unfortunate, sad outbreak of violence is unforgivable and I condemn it outright but for me it is also unforgettable. Turned inside out, it is a cry which we emphatically began to answer this morning.
"I do not believe the few who sought to break the spirit of camaraderie and hopefulness today succeeded. The large majority of those gathered this morning showed a recognition of the great significance of what was before them. And no-one can halt the positive social programme which has been introduced.
"The incident shows what neglect can produce. And that neglect is over. The proof for the need of this initiative is there for all to see.
"The incident shows what neglect can produce. And that neglect is over. The proof for the need of this initiative is there for all to see.
"Today marks the beginning of a new approach and an intensifying of a broad based solution that will restore positive values and self respect. One sad incident, one huge social initiative to turn things around.”
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