By Val Matthias. Updated 6:08 a.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has reintroduced the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) programme, bringing safety education back into classrooms as part of its wider community policing effort.
The programme returned to schools this week, with police officers visiting kindergarten classes at the Dorsetshire Hill Government School on Tuesday, September 15.
The following day, Wednesday, September 16, the programme continued at the Kingstown Government School.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Charles, WPC 428 Bailey and PC 160 Joseph led the sessions. The children were engaged through questions, examples and interactive activities focused on situations they may encounter in their daily lives.
Among the lessons was road safety, with students taught to stop and look before crossing, pay attention to traffic signals and approaching vehicles, remain aware of their surroundings and follow the guidance of parents, teachers and other trusted adults.
The children were also taught about personal safety, including what to do if someone they do not know offers them a gift, treat or ride.
They were encouraged to say no, move away from situations that make them uncomfortable and tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong.
The sessions also highlighted the importance of knowing who to contact when help is needed. Students were encouraged to learn important contact information and were reminded that police officers are among the people they can approach if they are frightened, lost or need assistance.
The reintroduction gives a new generation of students an opportunity to participate in the programme, with the police taking practical safety education directly into schools.
The sessions are part of the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force’s wider community policing effort.
A United Nations Universal Periodic Review document says that D.A.R.E, was established in SVG in February 1997 through a collaboration between the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and the Ministry of Education. Its stated objectives included reducing the onset of drug use among young people, promoting tolerance and resistance to violence, and strengthening relationships between police and communities.
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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com
