The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

HAVING been a member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for the past three decades, Gabrielle Pratt has seen what the lack of money can lead people to do.

Countless young men and women fuelled by lack of cash have engaged in unscrupulous activities, causing their freedom or lives.

Ms Pratt believes if young people were not only taught how to make money in honest ways, but how to effectively manage what they earn, when they enter adulthood their financial footing can be solid.

It is for this reason she wrote “Smart Value”: The Packers Story intended for youngsters aged 12 -17 years.

The story traces the work of four junior high school studentes Alan, Tevin, Ron and Sonya who pack groceries at the neighbourhood food store. They are guided by the young store manager Mr Ross who gives them tips on saving money.

Over a period of several weeks he discusses key points for the students to practice. He also gives them a challenge right before Christmas.

The book addresses issues such as identifying needs and desires, the importance of budgeting, saving money and delayed gratification.

“I found it essential to share this information with young people so that by the time they become adults and possibly heads of households they would have been practising good money management skills for a significant period of time.

I have included seven quotes at the back of the book that I would like for every reader to use as guiding principles. For the young reader, although a short story this book is intended to be a manual,” Ms Pratt said.

The overall message Ms Pratt wants to communicate to teenage readers is the power money has to influence daily choices.

“The inspiration for this book came from my observations through the years of the number of youth that get into all kinds of problems because of the lack of money, poor choices made as a result, negative influences and no clear direction on the subject.

Money is a powerful influence to making choices in our daily needs and wants in our pursuit of personal contentment and satisfaction,” she said.

It is the author’s hope that readers also go through the simple exercises at the end. They are intended to cultivate good money management habits.

“Smart Value” is not the first book written by the law enforcement officer. She co-authored “A History of the Royal Bahamas Police Force” 1840 -1990 with Acting Inspector Maurice Simmons, sponsored by the organization.

“I have been a serving member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for thirty (30 years). I enlisted as a direct entry inspector. I have worked at various stations in New Providence. Previously held the post of Commandant of the Police Training College and more recently as officer-in-charge of Strategic Policy Planning & Research Branch since 2012.”

As a result of those experiences she has developed a growing interest in challenges facing youth and the possible solutions for addressing them.

“I am currently testing a board game presently called I Can Help: The Compassion Game this is inspired by my book of similar caption. Possible release late 2019.

Ms Pratt has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Master of Arts in Adult Education.

“My hobbies are singing, travelling, mentoring young people and writing. I am a member of The Commonwealth Writers of The Bahamas.