The Tribune

LAST week, US Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson visited Gambier Village in New Providence to mark the delivery of a 15-passenger van to Youth Empowerment through Soccer International (YESI) in the Bahamas.

She was accompanied by Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Deputy Director for Western Hemisphere Programmes Susan Snyder and the US Embassy’s INL Section.

The van, which will allow YESI to transport youth to and from its after school, weekend, and summer programmes, was provided to YESI with funding from the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

During the visit, Chargé Lisa Johnson toured the Gambier Village facility that provides specialised tutoring services taught by local high school students, and visited the practice field where YESI conducts its extensive youth soccer programme.

She also met with YESI participants who explained what the organisation had taught them about leadership, teamwork and participation, and spoke with coaches about YESI’s work to empower young Bahamian soccer players to complete their education, say no to drugs and crime, and have a voice in the future of their communities.

“I look forward to our continued collaboration and cooperation with YESI to achieve our shared goal of strengthening communities by providing engaging and productive programmes for young people in the Bahamas,” Chargé Johnson said to assembled coaches and players on the visit.

“Next time I’m here, I’ll wear my cleats!”